Have a great month.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Welcome, June!
June already. A beautiful month. Nice warm weather. Flowers blooming. Kids getting ready to get out of school. The brutal winter just one more bad memory. It's a great time of year. There's a full moon tonight but we have a thick cloud cover here in the northeast so you'll have to wait until tomorrow night to see a slightly waning moon. You won't notice.
Have a great month.
Have a great month.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Book Review
I just finished the book "All the Light We Can Not See" by Anthony Doerr. The book is set in Europe during World War II.
This book does not deal with military tactics or battle strategies or the lives of soldiers. The basic focus is on two characters: one a young boy who is eventually recruited into Hitler's Youth and ultimately the German army. The other character is a young, blind french girl.
What the reader sees is a unique view of what it must have been like to have been a soldier on 'the other side' and what it was like living in an occupied country.
Events jump back and forth from 1940 to 1945 which some readers said they found confusing but to me it made perfect sense in terms of what the author was trying to do.
Eventually the lives of the two main characters merge as the war comes to an end.
The strength of this book is in the many characters the reader meets. The take away is that World War Two (and by extension all other wars) touched everyone. No one escapes.
This is one of the best 'war' books I've ever read. I highly recommend it.
This book does not deal with military tactics or battle strategies or the lives of soldiers. The basic focus is on two characters: one a young boy who is eventually recruited into Hitler's Youth and ultimately the German army. The other character is a young, blind french girl.
What the reader sees is a unique view of what it must have been like to have been a soldier on 'the other side' and what it was like living in an occupied country.
Events jump back and forth from 1940 to 1945 which some readers said they found confusing but to me it made perfect sense in terms of what the author was trying to do.
Eventually the lives of the two main characters merge as the war comes to an end.
The strength of this book is in the many characters the reader meets. The take away is that World War Two (and by extension all other wars) touched everyone. No one escapes.
This is one of the best 'war' books I've ever read. I highly recommend it.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Memorial Day
Sports, picnics, gardens, relaxing, whatever it may be let us not forget to take a minute or two to reflect quietly on those who sacrificed so much to make it possible for the rest of us to enjoy this weekend.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
A word about today's headline
‘WE’RE SUPPOSED TO BE SHARING THE ROAD’
Cyclists send message
Ride of Silence aimed at alerting motorists to watch for bikers on road
DANBURY — Though no words were spoken on the ride, the message of the nearly 40 cyclists gathered was clear: “Share the road.”
Thus begins the lead article in today's NewTimes. While it is true that too many motorists are very inconsiderate of cyclists, I don't think it inappropriate to remind cyclists of a few things as well.
For example motorists are not the only ones who need to remember to share the road. There have been many occasions when I've come upon groups cyclists riding in a pack, hogging the road. Passing them is difficult and often dangerous for the cyclist. When a car is coming, they need to ride in single file.
Also, cyclists need to remember that they too must obey the rules of the road. That means stopping at stop signs and traffic lights and granting the right of way where appropriate. They can't just toss out the rules because they might delay them or inconvenience them. All wheeled vehicles are obligated to follow the law.
Courtesy and consideration goes both ways. Let's all be aware of each other so no one gets hurt. Fini!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
The-state-of-the-yard address
You know how the president is required by the Constitution to deliver a State of the Union address every year? Well, I've been doing pretty much the same thing except it's not the Union that concerns me. It's my yard. So here's the run down since my return from Florida.
Jobs done:
1. Branches and leaves that fell or blew back into yard over the winter are pretty much cleaned up.
2. Lawn tractor and mower started up without any problem and first mowing is done.
Yet to do:
1. Blow those dangling seeds that come off of oak trees off the driveway and front porch.
2. Clean out gutters that are clogged with those same seeds.
3. Pickup and spread two yards of bark mulch.
4. Prep garden area for flower plantings.
5. Start cutting up fallen trees and limbs in back woods to add to firewood pile.
6. Prune all dead stuff from Rhododendrons from winter kill.
7. Patch cracks in driveway.
That should do it. The rest is just keeping up with the mowing and pruning.
Jobs done:
1. Branches and leaves that fell or blew back into yard over the winter are pretty much cleaned up.
2. Lawn tractor and mower started up without any problem and first mowing is done.
Yet to do:
1. Blow those dangling seeds that come off of oak trees off the driveway and front porch.
2. Clean out gutters that are clogged with those same seeds.
3. Pickup and spread two yards of bark mulch.
4. Prep garden area for flower plantings.
5. Start cutting up fallen trees and limbs in back woods to add to firewood pile.
6. Prune all dead stuff from Rhododendrons from winter kill.
7. Patch cracks in driveway.
That should do it. The rest is just keeping up with the mowing and pruning.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
I'm Baaaack!
This is the longest I've ever gone between blogs but now I'm back. We've been in Naples, FL for the past couple of weeks enjoying the very hot weather.
While in Naples we hosted another couple and managed to stay very busy. One day we visited the Corkscrew Sanctuary. Another day we visited Naples Botanical Gardens. Other times we toured old Naples and on yet another evening we went to the beach for sunset.
All of the things we did and much of what we saw are chronicled on my website which I invite you to visit. View the pictures or click on the photo slide show links to see it all on my website georgeswebpage.com
I'll post another piece with the next few days. Topic? To be determined.
While in Naples we hosted another couple and managed to stay very busy. One day we visited the Corkscrew Sanctuary. Another day we visited Naples Botanical Gardens. Other times we toured old Naples and on yet another evening we went to the beach for sunset.
All of the things we did and much of what we saw are chronicled on my website which I invite you to visit. View the pictures or click on the photo slide show links to see it all on my website georgeswebpage.com
I'll post another piece with the next few days. Topic? To be determined.
Friday, May 1, 2015
It's MAY!
It's a new month and one of my favorites as trees and flowers slowly wake up from a long winter and a chilly spring.
To learn more about the month of May, click here georgeswebpage.com/almanac
Have a great month.
To learn more about the month of May, click here georgeswebpage.com/almanac
Have a great month.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Peaceful demonstration or rioting?
The situation in Baltimore has prompted a great deal of emotion. On one side you have those very upset over what they regard as police abuse and therefore taking their feelings to the street. On the other side you have those condemning the violence that occurred Monday night.
Aggravating both sides are remarks and/or actions of well-known people who represent one or the other extreme.
Take for example an interview I heard on the Today show Tuesday morning. Savannah Guthrie was interviewing a prominent religious leader. She kept trying to get the man to say that the violence was unacceptable because there are better ways to deal with the problem. He wouldn't do it. He basically condoned what the rioters were doing. Al Sharpton was basically on board with this.
Therein lies at least part of the problem. There is a very important difference in my mind between peaceful protest and random violence and rioting. Community leaders who do or will not recognize this are hurting their communities a great deal.
On an encouraging note, there were a number of residents who decried the rioters and stood along side the police. One mother, now famous, even chased her son away from the scene.
Let's hope there is more of this but let's go further. Let's take seriously the core concerns of people who see themselves as victims of police aggression.
Thus endeth my rant for the day.
Aggravating both sides are remarks and/or actions of well-known people who represent one or the other extreme.
Take for example an interview I heard on the Today show Tuesday morning. Savannah Guthrie was interviewing a prominent religious leader. She kept trying to get the man to say that the violence was unacceptable because there are better ways to deal with the problem. He wouldn't do it. He basically condoned what the rioters were doing. Al Sharpton was basically on board with this.
Therein lies at least part of the problem. There is a very important difference in my mind between peaceful protest and random violence and rioting. Community leaders who do or will not recognize this are hurting their communities a great deal.
On an encouraging note, there were a number of residents who decried the rioters and stood along side the police. One mother, now famous, even chased her son away from the scene.
Let's hope there is more of this but let's go further. Let's take seriously the core concerns of people who see themselves as victims of police aggression.
Thus endeth my rant for the day.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
And so it continues...
I recently received the following email message from a friend of mine:
Things I trust more than Hillary Clinton:
* Mexican tap water
* A rattlesnake with a "pet me" sign
* OJ Simpson showing me his knife collection
* A fart when I have diarrhea
* An elevator ride with Ray Rice
* Drinks offered by Bill Cosby
* Michael Jackson's Doctor
* An Obama Nuclear deal with Iran
* A Palestinian on a motorcycle
* Gas station Sushi
* A Jimmy Carter economic plan
* Brian Williams news reports
* Loch Ness monster sightings
* Prayers for peace from Al Sharpton
It seems as Obama's time in office draws to a close, we can now look forward to a year and a half of Hillary-bashing. This isn't the first message I've received where Hillary Clinton is the target and I'm sure there will be many more.
I'm so looking forward to the political season, aren't you? The "joking" seems to get more and more nasty. Much of what I have received or seen elsewhere about Obama has been downright racist.
What's more, overwhelmingly the targets are democrats. Why is that? Are republicans simply meaner people? Well, maybe. But I think a better reason is that the current pack of republican wannabees who seem to think they're suitably presidential are such a laughable stock of buffoons that there simply doesn't need to be anything more to be said. They're doing fine destroying their own characters on their own. They sure don't need any more help.
Things I trust more than Hillary Clinton:
* Mexican tap water
* A rattlesnake with a "pet me" sign
* OJ Simpson showing me his knife collection
* A fart when I have diarrhea
* An elevator ride with Ray Rice
* Drinks offered by Bill Cosby
* Michael Jackson's Doctor
* An Obama Nuclear deal with Iran
* A Palestinian on a motorcycle
* Gas station Sushi
* A Jimmy Carter economic plan
* Brian Williams news reports
* Loch Ness monster sightings
* Prayers for peace from Al Sharpton
It seems as Obama's time in office draws to a close, we can now look forward to a year and a half of Hillary-bashing. This isn't the first message I've received where Hillary Clinton is the target and I'm sure there will be many more.
I'm so looking forward to the political season, aren't you? The "joking" seems to get more and more nasty. Much of what I have received or seen elsewhere about Obama has been downright racist.
What's more, overwhelmingly the targets are democrats. Why is that? Are republicans simply meaner people? Well, maybe. But I think a better reason is that the current pack of republican wannabees who seem to think they're suitably presidential are such a laughable stock of buffoons that there simply doesn't need to be anything more to be said. They're doing fine destroying their own characters on their own. They sure don't need any more help.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
STOP! POLICE!
STOP! POLICE!
What would you do if you heard those words coming from behind you? Would you run? duck and cover (that's what I would do)? Turn around and put your hands up? Pull out your iPhone and start recording? Just keep walking?
The right-and smart-thing to do is stop, turn around with your hands clearly in view and wait for further instructions or information.
However, as we have seen over and over on numerous occasions, that is not what many a "person of interest" has done. Instead, they have run. The inevitable resulting police chase never turns out well because first there's always someone around recording an out-of-context scenario and second the police and their intended "person of interest" are now on high alert, adrenaline pumping and emotions running high. We've all seen what happens next on the evening news ad nauseam.
BUT, and this is a big but (no pun intended), why do we see so many incidents of blatant and inappropriate behavior from police? How much more of this is happening that we don't see? Is it regional in nature or endemic to all PDs? What kind of training are police given to address the issue?
Lots of questions, yes, but important ones. Absolutely, the overwhelming majority of men and women in blue are good, decent, well trained officers of the law. So in my never-ending quest to make the earth a better place than I found it, here are a few suggestions for police officers across the nation:
1. Make more of an effort to use nonlethal force, i.e. tasers, etc.
2. Assume every single thing you're doing is being video taped whether it be in a dark alley at 2 A.M. or in broad daylight on a heavily traveled city street.
3. When you and your backup do finally have the guy down and cuffed, stop beating and kicking the crap out of him. You did your job. You got him. Let the courts do the rest.
4. Face the fact that you and possibly your fellow officers may be just a tad prejudice. This is especially true for those of you who fight crime in areas where a large percentage of the perps are minority.
5. You have public relations departments. Use them. Get them to bombard the media with all the good things you do. YouTube for example has countless videos of police officers doing extraordinarily good things. Those things need to make their way onto the evening news and into daily papers.
6. And finally to police administrators: do more to get rid of the bad apples who are spoiling the barrel. You know how the public is always screaming about getting bad teachers out of the schools? Well the same holds true for police. Get the bad ones out of uniform.
Tough to do? Yes. Easy for a 'civilian' like me to sit here and say what you should do? Undoubtedly. But, still. The police do not deserve the bad press they're receiving so if there's something here that can turn the tide of bad feeling then it's worth the criticism I may or may not face.
Good luck...and remember, nothin's easy!
What would you do if you heard those words coming from behind you? Would you run? duck and cover (that's what I would do)? Turn around and put your hands up? Pull out your iPhone and start recording? Just keep walking?
The right-and smart-thing to do is stop, turn around with your hands clearly in view and wait for further instructions or information.
However, as we have seen over and over on numerous occasions, that is not what many a "person of interest" has done. Instead, they have run. The inevitable resulting police chase never turns out well because first there's always someone around recording an out-of-context scenario and second the police and their intended "person of interest" are now on high alert, adrenaline pumping and emotions running high. We've all seen what happens next on the evening news ad nauseam.
BUT, and this is a big but (no pun intended), why do we see so many incidents of blatant and inappropriate behavior from police? How much more of this is happening that we don't see? Is it regional in nature or endemic to all PDs? What kind of training are police given to address the issue?
Lots of questions, yes, but important ones. Absolutely, the overwhelming majority of men and women in blue are good, decent, well trained officers of the law. So in my never-ending quest to make the earth a better place than I found it, here are a few suggestions for police officers across the nation:
1. Make more of an effort to use nonlethal force, i.e. tasers, etc.
2. Assume every single thing you're doing is being video taped whether it be in a dark alley at 2 A.M. or in broad daylight on a heavily traveled city street.
3. When you and your backup do finally have the guy down and cuffed, stop beating and kicking the crap out of him. You did your job. You got him. Let the courts do the rest.
4. Face the fact that you and possibly your fellow officers may be just a tad prejudice. This is especially true for those of you who fight crime in areas where a large percentage of the perps are minority.
5. You have public relations departments. Use them. Get them to bombard the media with all the good things you do. YouTube for example has countless videos of police officers doing extraordinarily good things. Those things need to make their way onto the evening news and into daily papers.
6. And finally to police administrators: do more to get rid of the bad apples who are spoiling the barrel. You know how the public is always screaming about getting bad teachers out of the schools? Well the same holds true for police. Get the bad ones out of uniform.
Tough to do? Yes. Easy for a 'civilian' like me to sit here and say what you should do? Undoubtedly. But, still. The police do not deserve the bad press they're receiving so if there's something here that can turn the tide of bad feeling then it's worth the criticism I may or may not face.
Good luck...and remember, nothin's easy!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Want to be a farmer? I didn't think so.
I'm reading a book entitled "Some Luck" by Jane Smiley. It's about a family of Iowan farmers and it covers a period of about 25 years.
There are a number of themes that thread their way through the book i.e. self reliance, loyalty, individuality, struggle and hardship, the value and rewards of hard work, but one of the most revealing to me is that dealing with the trials and tribulations of farming.
It's amazing to me that anyone would want to do it. Your dependence on the weather alone is enough to make one run for the city or suburbs. Indeed there are fewer family farms every year-partly due to the rise of large agribusinesses. It's impossible to compete with them. But the lure of owning and working your own land is a powerful force and it's especially strong for those who were brought up on farms who just don't want any other kind of life.
I've always had enormous respect for farmers. When I was a boy I spent part of every summer on my uncle's farm. He started out as a dairy farmer and later became a chicken farmer. I would get up every morning with him and follow him around doing the many chores of the farmer. I actually liked it-especially when he let me drive the tractor!
Farming is an extremely important part of the development of America. Was a time when the farm was the hub of the community. In fact my grand daughter is going on a school field trip soon to Sturbridge Village, MA. Sturbridge Village is set in the 1830s. She will see all kinds of craftsmen doing their work and she will learn that each of them is also a farmer or one who is working long enough at their craft to have enough money to own a farm. The farm in New England at that time was everything.
Gone are those days-probably forever-and with them an important piece of American culture. I think that's a sad thing.
There are a number of themes that thread their way through the book i.e. self reliance, loyalty, individuality, struggle and hardship, the value and rewards of hard work, but one of the most revealing to me is that dealing with the trials and tribulations of farming.
It's amazing to me that anyone would want to do it. Your dependence on the weather alone is enough to make one run for the city or suburbs. Indeed there are fewer family farms every year-partly due to the rise of large agribusinesses. It's impossible to compete with them. But the lure of owning and working your own land is a powerful force and it's especially strong for those who were brought up on farms who just don't want any other kind of life.
I've always had enormous respect for farmers. When I was a boy I spent part of every summer on my uncle's farm. He started out as a dairy farmer and later became a chicken farmer. I would get up every morning with him and follow him around doing the many chores of the farmer. I actually liked it-especially when he let me drive the tractor!
Farming is an extremely important part of the development of America. Was a time when the farm was the hub of the community. In fact my grand daughter is going on a school field trip soon to Sturbridge Village, MA. Sturbridge Village is set in the 1830s. She will see all kinds of craftsmen doing their work and she will learn that each of them is also a farmer or one who is working long enough at their craft to have enough money to own a farm. The farm in New England at that time was everything.
Gone are those days-probably forever-and with them an important piece of American culture. I think that's a sad thing.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Odds and Ends
1. With warm, sunny weather finally here, I was able to get a lot done in the yard today-with Sadie's help of course. And it looks as though the weekend is going to be just as fruitful.
2. I just discovered my wife has a book on her Kindle that I'm half way through in hard cover. Hate when that happens. Anyone want a free copy of "Some Luck" by Jane Smiley?
3. The workers are finishing up the job we're having done to our house. One of them is in the driveway vacuuming up some harmless debris that spilled. Unbelievable. Neatest crew I've ever seen and they did a great job on newly insulated attic. Goodbye ice dams (hopefully!) Looking to do energy upgrades on your house? Windows, insulation weatherization stuff like that? Call Dr. Energy Saver 800-328-1081
2. I just discovered my wife has a book on her Kindle that I'm half way through in hard cover. Hate when that happens. Anyone want a free copy of "Some Luck" by Jane Smiley?
3. The workers are finishing up the job we're having done to our house. One of them is in the driveway vacuuming up some harmless debris that spilled. Unbelievable. Neatest crew I've ever seen and they did a great job on newly insulated attic. Goodbye ice dams (hopefully!) Looking to do energy upgrades on your house? Windows, insulation weatherization stuff like that? Call Dr. Energy Saver 800-328-1081
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Dog/Fish Sitting
With Pete, Jen and the boys off to Disney World for school's spring break, we get to care for the two who couldn't go: Sadie and CNPJ (hard to pronounce so we just call it "fish").
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Spring is here...and what a mess!
The sun is out, temps are on the rise, the snow is gone and my annual early spring stroll around the yard has been completed. The conclusion? The usual mess awaits me. I don't know why I bother spending all that time blowing leaves in the fall. They're just going to blow back over the winter.
On top of that, due to the unusually cold winter, I went into next year's wood supply so now I have to start scouting around for more.
It's going to be a busy spring...but I don't care. I'm glad it's here.
On top of that, due to the unusually cold winter, I went into next year's wood supply so now I have to start scouting around for more.
It's going to be a busy spring...but I don't care. I'm glad it's here.
Monday, April 6, 2015
Home
Home from another great week in Naples. The weather was perfect. The gulf water was still a little cool but pool water was bath tub warm.
Since the week just completed seemed to be the spring break for many, the beaches were more crowded than I've ever seen. Of course that meant the roads were equally busy but none of that interfered with our ability to have a good time.
A week in a warm place after a very bad winter is always welcome but it's especially nice when it's with family.
To see many pictures of the past week, click here and follow the photos link in the navigation bar.
http://georgeswebpage.com
Now it's back to the routine...for about a month. Then it's right back down to Naples for 10 more days.
Yeah, I know. It's a tough life.
Since the week just completed seemed to be the spring break for many, the beaches were more crowded than I've ever seen. Of course that meant the roads were equally busy but none of that interfered with our ability to have a good time.
A week in a warm place after a very bad winter is always welcome but it's especially nice when it's with family.
To see many pictures of the past week, click here and follow the photos link in the navigation bar.
http://georgeswebpage.com
Now it's back to the routine...for about a month. Then it's right back down to Naples for 10 more days.
Yeah, I know. It's a tough life.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Indiana's Answer to Everything
Getting tired of all the criticism? Trying to find a way to silence the bleeding hearts? Looking for that perfect solution to practice bigotry, racism and discrimination without having to endure the barbs of the far left media?
Look no further than Indiana. They've found the perfect way to lump it all under one all-inclusive umbrella-religious freedom!
What a neat solution. Now you can go ahead and discriminate all you want by just calling it your right to observe your religious preferences. Never mind that the Constitution already guaranteed you that right. Indiana has simply improved on it.
We sure have come a long way as a nation, haven't we?!?
Look no further than Indiana. They've found the perfect way to lump it all under one all-inclusive umbrella-religious freedom!
What a neat solution. Now you can go ahead and discriminate all you want by just calling it your right to observe your religious preferences. Never mind that the Constitution already guaranteed you that right. Indiana has simply improved on it.
We sure have come a long way as a nation, haven't we?!?
Friday, March 27, 2015
Life's little annoyances
Why must getting a simple little prescription refilled require that I get impatient and cross with the doctor's office whose duty it is to get it done?
I needed a refill on eye drops. The local pharmacy called the doctor's office to arrange this. A day went by and nothing was done. I then called the office to follow up. No one knew what I was talking about.
I can understand this happening once. Sometimes these things fall through the cracks. Fine. Fix it and move on. But in this particular case this is at least the third time it has happened.
As is often the case, the doctor's medical skills are fine. It's the office that is consistently unreliable and it's not just this particular doctor. I've found it to be the case in a variety of situations. Very frustrating.
Thus endth my rant for the day.
I needed a refill on eye drops. The local pharmacy called the doctor's office to arrange this. A day went by and nothing was done. I then called the office to follow up. No one knew what I was talking about.
I can understand this happening once. Sometimes these things fall through the cracks. Fine. Fix it and move on. But in this particular case this is at least the third time it has happened.
As is often the case, the doctor's medical skills are fine. It's the office that is consistently unreliable and it's not just this particular doctor. I've found it to be the case in a variety of situations. Very frustrating.
Thus endth my rant for the day.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Happy St. Patrick's Day. Top o' the mornin' to you.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair
On March 4th I posted a blog the purpose of which was partly to lament the pathetic level of scientific knowledge in the halls of congress not to mention society in general.
I went on to recommend science education be stepped up in our schools.
This morning I saw in the local paper a report about the Connecticut science and engineering fair. The names of local participants by school and town were listed. Imagine my disappointment to see not a single student from a Newtown Public school participated. The public schools from area towns were also under represented if at all. Students from parochial schools however were well represented-including St. Rose in Newtown.
I'm glad someone somewhere is taking the issue seriously. Too bad it isn't our public schools.
Oh, and don't blame the Core Curriculum. That's not the problem.
I went on to recommend science education be stepped up in our schools.
This morning I saw in the local paper a report about the Connecticut science and engineering fair. The names of local participants by school and town were listed. Imagine my disappointment to see not a single student from a Newtown Public school participated. The public schools from area towns were also under represented if at all. Students from parochial schools however were well represented-including St. Rose in Newtown.
I'm glad someone somewhere is taking the issue seriously. Too bad it isn't our public schools.
Oh, and don't blame the Core Curriculum. That's not the problem.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Book Recommendations
Do you know or have a child who loves science? If so, here are two books they might like. One of them is my grandson's. The other is mine. They're both very interesting.
The first is "Ask A Science Teacher" by Larry Scheckel. It consists of 250 common questions & answers that many curious kids have. For example the first question is How Many Cells Are in Your Body? The questions then range over the entire spectrum of science with the last question being Why Do People Say 'our fate is in the stars'?
This book can certainly be enjoyed by adults too.
The second book is a little different in that the questions are submitted by viewers of the author's website. The viewers pose questions of hypothetical situations that would probably never happen. The name of this book is "What If?" by Randall Munroe.
Here are some examples of questions:
What would happen if the earth and all terrestrial objects suddenly stopped spinning but the atmosphere retained its velocity?
What would happen if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at 90% the speed of light?
How fast can you hit a speed bump and live?
How high can a human throw something?
You see what I mean about these questions? Kind of absurd but it's the answer to each that contains the interesting science so therein lies its value.
Both books are great fun (if you're a science geek). Give them a try. They're both on Amazon.
The first is "Ask A Science Teacher" by Larry Scheckel. It consists of 250 common questions & answers that many curious kids have. For example the first question is How Many Cells Are in Your Body? The questions then range over the entire spectrum of science with the last question being Why Do People Say 'our fate is in the stars'?
This book can certainly be enjoyed by adults too.
The second book is a little different in that the questions are submitted by viewers of the author's website. The viewers pose questions of hypothetical situations that would probably never happen. The name of this book is "What If?" by Randall Munroe.
Here are some examples of questions:
What would happen if the earth and all terrestrial objects suddenly stopped spinning but the atmosphere retained its velocity?
What would happen if you tried to hit a baseball pitched at 90% the speed of light?
How fast can you hit a speed bump and live?
How high can a human throw something?
You see what I mean about these questions? Kind of absurd but it's the answer to each that contains the interesting science so therein lies its value.
Both books are great fun (if you're a science geek). Give them a try. They're both on Amazon.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Contradiction, Denial, Ignorance
The other day I saw a post on Facebook that showed a U.S. senator giving a speech to his fellow senators. He was holding a snowball in his hand and the topic of the speech was a general denial of global warming since there he was, holding something that resulted from cold weather.
At just about the same time I received two magazines-National Geographic and the monthly Audubon issue. The lead article in the National Geographic was "The War on Science". The Audubon lead article was "Climate Change Hits Home".
First, let's note a slight shift on how scientists are talking about the issue these days. The use of the term 'Global Warming' is no longer in vogue. Rather, the preferred term is now 'Climate Change'.
Why the switch? Because the public in general and politicians in particular misunderstand and therefore use for the wrong purposes the term global warming.
The fact is the globe is warming. There's no question about it. So why the especially cold winter in the northeast? Simply because the warming trend has caused the jet stream to change direction thereby ushering in cold air from Siberia to the northeast U.S.
The National Geographic was especially interesting because the focus included other misunderstandings, i.e. evolution, the moon landing (yes, some still think it was faked), vaccinations and genetically modified food. Conservative politicians in particular have ranged from doubtful to downright hostile. Whatever the case, their pronouncements are shrouded in complete ignorance. Especially troubling are those conservative republicans who serve on the House Science and Technology Committee. Shouldn't they be better informed than their colleagues or even the public? One would think so.
So what's the solution? Education-pure and simple-starting in kindergarten where I'm headed this afternoon to do my part and then continuing throughout a student's public school career-every day, every year.
Am I hopeful? What do you think? With all this emphasis on Common Core these days, not a whole lot of attention is being paid to science.
Sad. Very sad...but what's worse, it's dangerous.
At just about the same time I received two magazines-National Geographic and the monthly Audubon issue. The lead article in the National Geographic was "The War on Science". The Audubon lead article was "Climate Change Hits Home".
First, let's note a slight shift on how scientists are talking about the issue these days. The use of the term 'Global Warming' is no longer in vogue. Rather, the preferred term is now 'Climate Change'.
Why the switch? Because the public in general and politicians in particular misunderstand and therefore use for the wrong purposes the term global warming.
The fact is the globe is warming. There's no question about it. So why the especially cold winter in the northeast? Simply because the warming trend has caused the jet stream to change direction thereby ushering in cold air from Siberia to the northeast U.S.
The National Geographic was especially interesting because the focus included other misunderstandings, i.e. evolution, the moon landing (yes, some still think it was faked), vaccinations and genetically modified food. Conservative politicians in particular have ranged from doubtful to downright hostile. Whatever the case, their pronouncements are shrouded in complete ignorance. Especially troubling are those conservative republicans who serve on the House Science and Technology Committee. Shouldn't they be better informed than their colleagues or even the public? One would think so.
So what's the solution? Education-pure and simple-starting in kindergarten where I'm headed this afternoon to do my part and then continuing throughout a student's public school career-every day, every year.
Am I hopeful? What do you think? With all this emphasis on Common Core these days, not a whole lot of attention is being paid to science.
Sad. Very sad...but what's worse, it's dangerous.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Attention-Parents (and grand parents)
You know all that effort you've been putting into screening TV programs for safe viewing for your children? Well, don't think once you've approved the program you're safe. Now you need to worry about the commercials.
For example consider the new reality TV program I saw advertised recently on a so-called safe program. Fortunately none of my grand children were here to see it. It's called 'Sex Box'. It's a program that deals with solving couples' marital problems by putting them in an area where they...well, you can guess.
Can you believe it? The program itself is on another station but the commercial for it is bad enough.
Best bet? Sign on to Netflix or Amazon Prime or some other streaming service where you can stream safe, commercial free programs.
Here's an even better idea: turn off the TV.
What happened to good old Mr. Ed and cornflakes commercials??
For example consider the new reality TV program I saw advertised recently on a so-called safe program. Fortunately none of my grand children were here to see it. It's called 'Sex Box'. It's a program that deals with solving couples' marital problems by putting them in an area where they...well, you can guess.
Can you believe it? The program itself is on another station but the commercial for it is bad enough.
Best bet? Sign on to Netflix or Amazon Prime or some other streaming service where you can stream safe, commercial free programs.
Here's an even better idea: turn off the TV.
What happened to good old Mr. Ed and cornflakes commercials??
Monday, February 23, 2015
Birthday greetings-To Me
Today I turn 72 years old. Herewith a couple of short reflections on this auspicious occasion:
First, I feel great-probably better than ever. I have an active, productive life and for the most part enjoy everything I do. And in spite of a few bumps in the road, I am in good health.
Second, because of all those things listed first, I realize every day how lucky I am for everything I have-and don't have.
Were you looking for a few sage words of wisdom by which you can live your own life? Sorry, you're on your own.
First, I feel great-probably better than ever. I have an active, productive life and for the most part enjoy everything I do. And in spite of a few bumps in the road, I am in good health.
Second, because of all those things listed first, I realize every day how lucky I am for everything I have-and don't have.
Were you looking for a few sage words of wisdom by which you can live your own life? Sorry, you're on your own.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Clever Observation
Someone shared a really good post on Facebook the other day. It went something like this:
If there were record low gas prices, lowest unemployment in over 6 years, record stock market prices, health care for millions for whom it was previously denied, and a dead Bin Laden during a republican president's administration, he'd already have his face on Mt Rushmore and his picture on a coin.
What does that tell you about the real motivations behind much of the criticism President Obama is receiving? We have a very long way to go in this country.
If there were record low gas prices, lowest unemployment in over 6 years, record stock market prices, health care for millions for whom it was previously denied, and a dead Bin Laden during a republican president's administration, he'd already have his face on Mt Rushmore and his picture on a coin.
What does that tell you about the real motivations behind much of the criticism President Obama is receiving? We have a very long way to go in this country.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
True Confessions
As anyone knows who reads this blog on a regular or even semi regular basis, I do a lot of reading. I like adventure books, historical fiction and even a little quasi sci fi like the stuff Dean Koontz writes.
Until recently I frankly used to avoid female authors. Very often the stuff they wrote just didn't seem to appeal to me. But then as I reflected on this, I realized that wasn't true. I've actually read tons of books by women.
I would guess the first or at least one of the first would be To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee. Then from there the list just gets longer with the most recent discoveries being Maeve Binchy, Helen Simonson and J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame. I'll soon be starting book 4 of that series.
You may have noticed the three I just mentioned are all British. I find their character development and sense of humor very appealing.
The other series of books I've enjoyed by a woman author is the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. There's a lot of science as well as action in her books.
Part of what inspired me to mention this about women authors is my older grand daughter loves to write. I've read a lot of her stuff and she has a great imagination so I hope she pursues it as she gets older and I would never want to discourage her from writing more.
There are good authors and there are bad authors. Their particular gender is not the issue.
Until recently I frankly used to avoid female authors. Very often the stuff they wrote just didn't seem to appeal to me. But then as I reflected on this, I realized that wasn't true. I've actually read tons of books by women.
I would guess the first or at least one of the first would be To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee. Then from there the list just gets longer with the most recent discoveries being Maeve Binchy, Helen Simonson and J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame. I'll soon be starting book 4 of that series.
You may have noticed the three I just mentioned are all British. I find their character development and sense of humor very appealing.
The other series of books I've enjoyed by a woman author is the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. There's a lot of science as well as action in her books.
Part of what inspired me to mention this about women authors is my older grand daughter loves to write. I've read a lot of her stuff and she has a great imagination so I hope she pursues it as she gets older and I would never want to discourage her from writing more.
There are good authors and there are bad authors. Their particular gender is not the issue.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Seriously?
News item: Connecticut legislators debate strategies for reducing the use of hand-held mobile devices while driving.
Seriously? As mentioned in this place on more than one occasion, the solution is easy. Instead of fining people $150 for talking/texting on a cell phone in their vehicles, hit them where it hurts-their bank accounts. How about fines in excess of $1000 and increasing by 100% for each additional offense? Over the top? Not if you're serious.
Seriously? As mentioned in this place on more than one occasion, the solution is easy. Instead of fining people $150 for talking/texting on a cell phone in their vehicles, hit them where it hurts-their bank accounts. How about fines in excess of $1000 and increasing by 100% for each additional offense? Over the top? Not if you're serious.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Brian Williams to be suspended
Brian Williams suspended for 6 months for misrepresenting something that
happened 12 years ago. Now if every Congressman was suspended for the
same reason, Capitol Hill would be a ghost town! That in itself may not be such a bad thing.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
A Word About Some Books I've Read
I just finished reading a book entitled A Week in Winter. I enjoyed it very much. The book was filled with interesting characters and typical British humor. The author who is British is Maeve Binchy. Unfortunately she recently passed away.
I mention she's a British writer because over the past several months I have read several books by English authors and I find I really enjoy them.
My first introduction to British literature was when I was a boy reading Dickens. Also as a boy I read Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame which I loved.
Then much later came college where I read many British poets which I didn't like so much. I'm definitely a novel person.
It wasn't until recently that I returned to British authors. First, The Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer. That's a series of what's going to be a total of 7 books. I've read four. The fifth is due out soon.
Then there was Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson.
All of these were great reads and when I'm done with a couple of other books I have waiting, I'm going to return to Maeve Binchy.
By the way, Maeve Binchy and Helen Simonson are women authors which is a blog in itself.
There's always a good book out there. Discovering new authors to read can be a fun adventure.
I mention she's a British writer because over the past several months I have read several books by English authors and I find I really enjoy them.
My first introduction to British literature was when I was a boy reading Dickens. Also as a boy I read Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame which I loved.
Then much later came college where I read many British poets which I didn't like so much. I'm definitely a novel person.
It wasn't until recently that I returned to British authors. First, The Clifton Chronicles by Jeffrey Archer. That's a series of what's going to be a total of 7 books. I've read four. The fifth is due out soon.
Then there was Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson.
All of these were great reads and when I'm done with a couple of other books I have waiting, I'm going to return to Maeve Binchy.
By the way, Maeve Binchy and Helen Simonson are women authors which is a blog in itself.
There's always a good book out there. Discovering new authors to read can be a fun adventure.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Thanks, Punxsutawney Phil
I spent the afternoon in my grandson's kindergarten class. We were talking about how animals adapt to winter weather. Somehow during the course of the discussion, the topic of Groundhog day came up. Today is the 4th and Groundhog Day was the 2nd so somehow it fell in line with the other stuff.
At any rate I stupidly decided to take the opportunity to help kids understand the difference between custom and real science. I was trying to get them to realize that a rodent can't predict weather. It was just an interesting custom that somehow arose and there really wasn't any solid science behind a woodchuck being able to tell us how much more winter we're going to get.
The discussion seemed to be going fairly well and we eventually moved on. I was feeling pretty good that something had gotten through to this group of inquisitive kindergartners.
Later that day, after school, I got the boys off the bus and wouldn't you know Nicholas announces there's going to be six more weeks of winter. I asked him if he remembered the discussion we had in his class about groundhogs not being able to predict the weather. It was at this point his 7-year-old brother chimed in and I knew I was in trouble.
Cole was very indignant. He wanted to know why someone would make up a story like that just to fool kids. He didn't think it was very nice. I continued trying to get them to understand the difference between science and some of the things people do out of tradition.
After several more questions and comments they eventually started getting it. But Nicholas was still a skeptic. He wanted to believe that silly rodent.
It's always something different with kids.
At any rate I stupidly decided to take the opportunity to help kids understand the difference between custom and real science. I was trying to get them to realize that a rodent can't predict weather. It was just an interesting custom that somehow arose and there really wasn't any solid science behind a woodchuck being able to tell us how much more winter we're going to get.
The discussion seemed to be going fairly well and we eventually moved on. I was feeling pretty good that something had gotten through to this group of inquisitive kindergartners.
Later that day, after school, I got the boys off the bus and wouldn't you know Nicholas announces there's going to be six more weeks of winter. I asked him if he remembered the discussion we had in his class about groundhogs not being able to predict the weather. It was at this point his 7-year-old brother chimed in and I knew I was in trouble.
Cole was very indignant. He wanted to know why someone would make up a story like that just to fool kids. He didn't think it was very nice. I continued trying to get them to understand the difference between science and some of the things people do out of tradition.
After several more questions and comments they eventually started getting it. But Nicholas was still a skeptic. He wanted to believe that silly rodent.
It's always something different with kids.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Measles? Seriously?
Just heard on NBC news that the measles outbreak has spread to as many as 14 states. Seriously? Are people stupid? Are you not vaccinating your kids?
Part of the problem is that some years ago there was an article in the British medical journal Lancet that proposed that vaccinations contributed to autism. A significant number of American parents panicked and denied their kids vaccinations.
However the information contained in that article was found to be made up by the doctor who wrote it. It was completely false and the journal apologized for printing it. So why aren't people returning to vaccinations for their kids? It's simple. They're stupid. And as Ron White has told us, "There's no fixing stupid."
Part of the problem is that some years ago there was an article in the British medical journal Lancet that proposed that vaccinations contributed to autism. A significant number of American parents panicked and denied their kids vaccinations.
However the information contained in that article was found to be made up by the doctor who wrote it. It was completely false and the journal apologized for printing it. So why aren't people returning to vaccinations for their kids? It's simple. They're stupid. And as Ron White has told us, "There's no fixing stupid."
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