It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good

With the recent story of former NASA employees telling NASA to stay away from the climate change argument, it once again causes me no end of confusion about the vast majority of climate change deniers. And despite their claims of being "skeptics", they are not; they are full-blown denialists, unwilling to look at the hard data or accept the conclusions of the hundreds of scientists who's jobs are to figure this stuff out.

The main point that I do not understand is why they are fighting so hard against the evidence that man is changing the Earth's climate. As a simplification, I'm going to look at the four major possibilities we have in regards to climate change:

1. Climate change is happening, but we don't do anything about it
2. Climate change is happening, and we fix the problem
3. Climate change isn't happening, and we don't do anything about it
4. Climate change isn't happening, but we change things like it was happening

Climate change is real, we do nothing
The science is real and our pollution and actions are changing the environment of the planet. Temperatures continue to rise, glaciers keep melting, severe weather events (hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, etc.) continues and maybe even get worse. Within some number of generations, the environment will be damaged beyond repair and global resources will become very limited, wars will start, millions will die, and the human race as a whole will be in significant danger.

Climate change is real, we fix it
The environment improves, glaciers do not melt, severe weather gets a little less severe and frequent. The planet is still able to provide enough resources for the future generations (until such time as resource requirements exceed the planet's ability to generate).

Climate change is not real, we do nothing
Nothing significant happens. The environment stays about the same, or at least gets no worse than the current path. Global resources will continue to provide for future generations (until such time as resource requirements exceed the planet's ability to generate).

Climate change is not real, we change things as if it was
The environment improves, global resources last longer (renewable energy by definition will last longer than fossil fuels). The planet is still able to provide enough resources for the future generations (until such time as resource requirements exceed the planet's ability to generate).

Yes, I realize this is a very simplistic view of a complex issue, and ignores things like costs and technological improvements, but at the base level, it seems to boil down to this:

If we act like we are causing global climate change and work on fixing what's causing it, at worst, we are spending a lot of money to make the planet better for future generations; at best, we are saving future generations. If we do nothing, at best we are making things no better or worse for future generations; at worst, we could be dooming future generations and perhaps our entire planet.

Seems like we have really have nothing to lose and everything to gain by just assuming the scientists and data are correct. If they end up being wrong, well, at least we'll have a nicer planet to live on.

So then thing happened

It finally happened. Even with all the difficulties, problems, heartache, and craziness along the way, it really has happened: I'm going to be a father. Assuming anyone reads this who is not on Twitter and Facebook, my wife and I are expecting our first child in early September.

It's both awesome and daunting at the same time. I have no doubt I am the same as every first-time father-to-be: trying to figure out how we're going to make it work, if I'll be a good dad, wondering how I'll be able to handle diaper changes, sleep deprivation, and knowing that another human being will be dependent on me in so many ways. Breast milk or formula? Disposable or cloth? How soon is too soon to introduce them to Star Wars, Star Trek, and Doctor Who?

Now don't get me wrong, I am certainly not complaining about this. My wife and I have been trying for nearly five years now, and we've been told that we wouldn't get pregnant without artificial assistance (guess they were wrong on that point) and have endured the pain of two miscarriages along the way. So when they say a baby is a blessing and a miracle, I feel that we're both acutely aware of that.

There are so many questions that we will need to answer in the months and years ahead. We'll make mistakes along the way; some little, some big. I don't know much about parenting or what's to come, but I do know that our baby will be very loved and they will know it.

I'm trying not to get myself locked into certain parenting ideas, that we're going to do this or not going to do that because I'm smart enough to know that once the baby arrives, any plans that we've made are probably going to get thrown out the window. While I will certainly hope that our child is into things like science, math, science fiction, Dungeons and Dragons, and all these other geek things, I'm also promising myself that I won't be one of those parents that forces their kid into something that the child obviously does not want to do. I do not want to be one of those parents that tries to live vicariously through their own children.

 Needless to say my life and I will be sending out on adventure fairly soon: a trip to Europe. We're actually going to England and France in June and until we get back from that trip, I'm probably not even to be thinking too much about parenting as long as all the doctors appointments are going well.

So I would like to apologize in advance; at some point I'm sure I will turn into every new parent who wants to constantly talk about their children, show pictures or videos, and every Facebook and Twitter status will be about the baby. I will do my utmost to make sure that period is as short as possible.

Just promise me if I turn into one of those parents, somebody throw something at me.

EDIT: I just found out that Blogger apparently doesn't want to recognize carriage returns when I type a post in from my iPad, nor does it allow me to edit an entry after I post it.  Wonderful!  Google, can you guys please get your asses in gear and work on some good apps for iOS and the iPad?  I understand they are your rival, but all you're doing is alienating your customers that want to use an iPhone or iPad.

Resolutions

I know I’m a little late for the traditional New Year’s resolution to work out and get into shape, but better late than never, right?

Per BMI calculations, I am currently obese (by two pounds).  I fully believe that BMI is a terrible way to determine whether someone is at a normal weight, overweight, or obese, since it does not take into account body type, muscle mass, and other determining factors.

According to the BMI calculator, since I am 5’ 8” tall, I need to get down to 164 pounds for me to just sneak into the “normal weight” zone.  For me to be right smack-dab in the middle of the range?  I have to get myself down to 143 pounds.  I’m sorry, but I call bullshit on that number (to say nothing of calling it “normal” weight).  Being from good Polish genetic stock, I am very stocky (I wear a 44” suit coat) and have a barrel chest.  If I were to get myself down to 143 pounds, I’d look anorexic.  They should really fix this thing, rather than play it up as the definitive measure of someone’s weight.

Anywho, I have decided to once to try to eat better, get more active, and lose weight.  Like most Americans, this is far from the first time I have said this.  I have attempted the same thing multiple times (the best I ever did was get into the high 170s for weight), but always got distracted or bored or injured and put all the weight back on.  This time, I am going to try two new tools, one I found through the webcomic XKCD and the other I saw as part of the CES 2012 show.

Fitocracy

I first heard mention of the Fitocracy website from a webcomic I follow called XKCD.  It was not open to the public yet, you had to request an invite.  This month, I finally got an invitation for the site.  On the surface, it’s nothing new: online fitness tracking with a social aspect and challenges, but what makes this different is that it assigns points to various exercises and as you gain points, you go up levels and gain achievements.  I like the idea of equating working out to a game.  I’m hoping the novelty of it, and seeing that a simple goal is in sight (new level or achievement) will keep me focused and I’ll be less likely to give up after a couple weeks.

Striiv

One of the simplest forms of exercise is walking.  Long touted as easiest way to help get into shape, with the recommended daily goal of 10,000 steps per day (which roughly equates to 5 miles).  How do you keep track of how many steps you take?  Why a pedometer, of course!  Again, nothing new or exciting with a pedometer; you clip it on your belt or put it in your pocket, and when the day is over, you see what the number reads.  While looking at the coverage for this year’s Consumer Electronic Show (CES), I saw a neat little gadget called Striiv.  It is a pedometer that keeps track of steps taken, stairs climbed, and calories burned, which is nothing spectacular.  The unique part of this gadget is that it has personal challenges, games to play based off the steps you take, and they will also donate money to one of three charities (your choice between clean water, polio vaccine, or saving the rainforest) based off the number of steps  you’ve taken.  Again, something more engaging than walking just for the sake of walking.

Now, neither of these tools will guarantee that I will get myself into shape (how bloody awesome would it be if they would?), but I’m cautiously optimistic that this way of looking at fitness will help get me on the right path.  Only time will tell, and if I think about it, I’ll also tell here what those results are.

New Year's Resurrections

I'm not one for New Year's resolutions, because they are mostly either the same self-help stuff (lose weight, exercise more, stop smoking, etc.) or unrealistic hopes (win the lottery, become an astronaut, etc.).  While the start of new year does seem to be a logical point to try to better oneself or start grasping for a dream, I don't really see the point in getting on a pedestal and announcing to the world (or at least my Facebook/Twitter/Google+ friends) what I'm working on in 2012.  Those things are for me to know and try to achieve on my own.

That being said, one of my resolutions will be mentioned here: try to get back to being more social, both online and in person.  For various reasons, last year was not a great one for me, even if I did get a chance to do some amazing things.  There were a few things that happened that left me to pull back from others and retreat into myself.  In 2012, I need to work on reversing that and getting back out there and keeping up with and doing things with friends.

As such, I will finally be getting around to posting about the GRAIL Tweetup event I attended in September, which I never got around to because work completely blew up and distracted me (technically, it blew up while I was at the Tweetup, so I had lots of cleanup to do when I got back).  The memories have probably dulled a bit, so the stories and recollections won't be as good as they could have been, but I still think it's important for me to record them.

I'm also kicking around the idea of actually using the webcam I got for more than the occasional Google+ hangout and adding some video to this blog.  Maybe I can end up being the Andy Rooney of the 21st century (God knows I'm cranky enough for that role).

We'll see how this holds out over the course of the year, because like most Americans, I get distracted and discouraged very easily.  I suppose all I can do is try.  And put effort into it.  And sustain it.  And not get lazy.  So on that note, I leave you with a very important quote:

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend.  Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Almost there

Here I sit at General Mitchell International airport, waiting to board my plane to Orlando. I can't wait to get down there and meet all the fellow Tweetuppers.

Last I saw on Monday, the weather on Thursday was at 60% for a good launch. While I'd certainly wish to see that number higher, I'll take what I can get. The Tweetup event is going to be so amazing, if I don't get to see a launch, it will be okay, but I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed.

Today, after I fly into Orlando, I'll drive to Kennedy Space Center to check in and get my badge, then go to the house I'm staying at (dubbed Discovery House), and meeting the people I'll be staying with for four days. Then, dinner with a huge number of space geeks for a traditional pre-Tweetup dinner.

I can't believe that this day is finally here. I've been planning, chatting, packing, and generally obsessing about this trip for about a month. It's just amazing that NASA allows people this opportunity, and I'm so glad I got this chance.

I think we hit the mother lode

After much waiting, with some combination of patience and impatience, those of us selected to be a part of the GRAIL NASATweetup received the itinerary of events and speakers tonight.  I just have one thing to say: WOW!

I'm not sure how our group of speakers stack up against previous Tweetups, but I'm pretty darn impressed with the collection NASA is going to roll out for us.  The speakers are:

• Jim Adams, deputy director of Planetary Division, Science Mission Directorate
• Charles Boldin, head administrator of NASA
• Sally Ride Science Team (I know it's greedy of me, but I'm kind of sad it won't be Sally Ride herself)
• Sami Asmar, GRAIL deputy project scientist
• Maria Zuber, GRAIL principal investigator
• Doug Ellison, NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) visualization producer
• Vern Thorp, manager of NASA Programs, United Launch Alliance (ULA)
• Stu Spath, chief spacecraft engineer at Lockheed Martin
• Neil deGrasse Tyson and Frederick P. Rose from the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History

In addition to the speakers, we'll get taken on a tour of Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, including stops at:

• Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), and I'm praying there's still a shuttle inside being decommissioned
• Press site launch countdown clock
• Launch Complex 17, from where the GRAIL Delta II rocket will be launched
• Launch Complex 41, from where the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity will be launched in November

And as if that wasn't already enough, also at the Visitor Complex while we're there:

• Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke will be talking about his experience on the moon and doing a book signing
• Neil deGrasse Tyson and Frederick P. Rose will be giving a talk about the latest "other world" discoveries
• Actress Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura) will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original Star Trek television show.  The pictures/autographs may be taking place on a replica of the ST:TOS bridge.

There is so much awesome packed into this Tweetup, it's not even funny.  I cannot believe how lucky I am to have been chosen to attend this event, let alone get presentations and talks from the group that will be there.  While I hope to get the chance to attend another Tweetup at some point in the future, I think it's safe to say that each one is so unique that it's a once-in-a-lifetime event.

September 7th just can't come fast enough for me.

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

Here we sit, a little less than three weeks until the GRAIL NASATweetup event begins.  Yesterday, I received an email from NASA so I could apply for press credentials and clearance.  Sadly, they were quick to point out that the Tweetup credentials do not apply to any other missions, so I can’t just wander down to Kennedy, flash my Twitter badge and get into future events.

So far, many of the Tweetup details are up in the air.  They told us that we’ll get a tour on Wednesday morning and in the afternoon a group of speakers (to be announced later) will come and talk to us.  Thursday at 8:37am EDT is the projected launch time for the Delta II rocket, with a one hour launch window.  Which mean I’ll have to get there super early that morning (I’m guessing I’ll need to be there by no later than 5:00am).  If there is some sort of problem on Thursday, they can push it back 24-hours into Friday, but any delay beyond that and I’m out of luck to view the launch at Kennedy.

In addition to the mission itself, over the last couple weeks, I’ve also found out that this is slated to be the final NASA launch of a Delta II rocket as well as the final launch from Space Launch Complex 17 (SLC-17).  SLC-17 was built by the Air Force in the late 1950s to handle Thor missile launches and was transferred to NASA ownership in 1965.  It certainly doesn’t have the glamour and sentimentality of LC-39 (where the Apollo rockets and space shuttles launched from), but it’s still another chapter of NASA’s history is ending.

Delta II rocket

SLC-17

I’m hoping that they will still be working on decommissioning one of the shuttles while we are there.  The people lucky enough to attend the Juno Tweetup got to go into the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and get up close and personal with a shuttle.  I believe that we’ll get to go into the VAB regardless, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we can see Atlantis in there.

Beyond that, right now I’m just trying to go over packing lists and keep up with all the information being posted on Twitter and Facebook from all the Tweetup attendees.  With all the excitement ramping up for it (most of us are first-time Tweetup attendees), there’s a bit of information overload going on.  There is two Tweetup get-togethers planned (Tuesday and Thursday), and I’m sure something will happen on Wednesday night, too.  If I were staying until Saturday, I could also go with a group of fellow space tweeps to hit Harry Potter World at Universal Studios.

I have no doubt that this will be a remarkable experience and I count myself very lucky to have this opportunity.  I also believe that when it’s done, I’m going to be very sorry that I don’t live closer to Florida and the Space Coast so I could be able to attend future Tweetups without nearly so much expense and travel time.

“There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.” – Jim Lovell