Sometimes you just have to play with the humans
May 30, 2011
commentary, geek, Humor aquarium fun, entertain the animals, otter plays with boy, red shirt 1 Comment
Harvey Milk Day Commentary
May 29, 2011
commentary, Gay, Personal coming out, Harvey Milk, lgbtq, Newspaper guest commentary, Visalia Times Delta Leave a comment
Here’s the text of my Guest Commentary in the Visalia Times Delta of May 20, 2011.
“My name is Harvey Milk, and I’m here to recruit you.”
Making this statement during public appearances, Harvey Milk was recruiting people to come out of the closet. He felt this action was the most important thing people in the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community could do to ensure their civil rights. If more people were aware of the gay associates, friends, family and loved ones around them, it would become impossible for most of them to continue past habits of discrimination.
Sunday, May 22, is the second annual California Harvey Milk Day. It’s a day to remind all Californians of the ability of one person to make a difference.
Lunar Geek: Is the Moon Too Wet?
May 27, 2011
geek collision theory, Luna, lunar formation, Moon, water on the moon Leave a comment
Photo art: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Science marches on. New studies of lunar material might call into question the collision theory of lunar formation. If a Mars sized object struck the Earth early in it’s history, then today’s Moon might be too wet.
It’s odd to think of the Moon as too wet, or indeed, to think of it as wet at all. Recent discoveries have indicated there is a lot of water there. Some very recent work has indicated, however, that the Moon may be too wet!
My take on the #Republicans right now
May 26, 2011
commentary, Gay, Humor, Personal Gay rights, lgbtq, republican Leave a comment
Mars Geek: Spirit Gives Up The Ghost
May 25, 2011
commentary, geek, News Curiosity, Mars, NASA, Opportunity, Spirit rover Leave a comment
Spirit has died. One of two NASA rovers on Mars, no contact has been made with the plucky little machine since March 2010. NASA had been hoping that with the return of summer to the region, the amazing little machine would come back to life. Sadly, it appears that will not happen.
Transmissions to the Martian surface from Earth, and from orbiting relay stations have failed to elicit a response. Age and the terribly cold Martian winter have finally silenced the science lab on wheels.
The next generation rover, Curiosity, is nearing it’s launch date, and NASA must reconfigure Earth bound transmission arrays, as well as the satellites orbiting Mars, to support the new mission. Spirit will stand silent sentinel near Gusev crater now, slowly collecting a layer of Mars dust, waiting for the day when humans arrive to reclaim the sturdy little machine designed to operate for 90 days. Landing January 5, 2004, Spirit studied Mars for 6 years. Perhaps, someday, we’ll collect up Spirit, and return it home. An honored spot at the Smithsonian would be appropriate, I think. It’s certainly earned that distinction.
It’s twin, Opportunity, still roves on the other side of the planet, sending science back to eager researchers on Earth.
Tuesday Walkabout
May 24, 2011
commentary, Personal home, Jim Reeves, neighborhood, walkabout Leave a comment
My house is down there somewhere.
So I’ve lived in my current residence 14 years now. This evening I took a stroll around the neighborhood. Second time I’ve done that, and the first time was just a couple of weeks ago. This picture is taken about a half a mile from my house, looking back towards it. The fence is around the school where I attended for a short time, back in the 4th or 5th grade.
The total walk was 1.85 miles, as best I can figure it, using Precision Mapping. I can see that I need to buy some walking shoes, if I’m going to do this very often. The shoes I wore are clearly not made for walking.
Monday Geek on Tuesday
May 24, 2011
commentary, geek, Personal, Pictures microwave relay, solar powered site, wireless internet Leave a comment
I spent yesterday, Monday, in the middle of nowhere, ‘helping’ Ted set up wireless internet infrastructure for a client of his company. Microwave links from from civilization (Fresno), to the boonies, down to a home so remote the driveway is several miles long! Geekiness all day long!
Ted on the ladder, installing solar powered microwave equipment
A few more shots, after the jump. More
JimmieJoe 
Shuttle Geek: The Last Rollout
May 31, 2011
Jim Reeves commentary, geek Atlantis, last rollout, last shuttle flight, VAB Leave a comment
Photo: NASA
The last rollout. Space Shuttle Atlantis heads for the launch pad. This will be the last launch of the program. After this, if an American astronaut needs to get into space, he’ll have to hitch a ride with the Russians. The USA will not have a manned launch vehicle for many years into the future. Not the best planning, for a people that went from modified ICBMs to men on the Moon in ten years.
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