Ever wonder about the Moon?

One of the coolest new explanations in recent decades in astronomy has been the ability to use the Apollo data to surmise a possible mechanism for the origins of the Moon. Now with the advent of super fast computing platforms, we can give you a sped up version of the process in the comfort of your own home:

Deepest Space

I am reminded of a quote from William Blake when I see videos like the following:

"To see the world in a grain of sand,
and heaven in a wildflower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
and eternity in an hour..."

The first video shows you where the image was taken,



this next video shows you the galaxies up close with time to reflect

The Hubble Deep Field Image

Feeling small... and rightfully so.

The following is a Youtube video of the relative size of planetary and stellar objects as we know them in the Universe so far today. We start with the planets in the Solar System (in order of size from smallest to largest) and then work our way up to the Sun. From there, we go to stars that are higher up on the Main Sequence to the blue giants, the orange and red giants and then to the super giants such as Betelguese in the constellation of Orion the hunter. Feel small.... very small... because you are:

What a Teacher Makes

I have a good friend that is also a teacher at the college level and the extended conversations we get into about our profession can be quite enlightening as well as frustrating. But here is a great video he stumbled to me... you'll love it:

A Brief History of Disbelief (Part III)

The Final installment of a roung history of atheism shown on the BBC known as "A Brief History of Disbelief":


Online Videos by Veoh.com

A Brief History of Disbelief (Part II)

This is part two of the BBC's series on Atheism (Sorry for the delay) with parts three and four to follow quickly here after:


Online Videos by Veoh.com

Return Time...

After finishing the school year, I went into a kind of chrysalis/hibernation mode. I felt the need to just read (4 rather substantial books so far), put plans together for my computer network, bringing the plans to fruition, and then a bit of travel to the City. I had to change my workout routine and switched to bicycling in Downtown as opposed to running to much in the park. But some sciatica problems cropped up and only now are they better. Sleep is becoming more problematic (I need a tempurpedic mattress and a tempurpedic pillow between my knees) and that has made me a bit more cantankerous than normal. I know it seems like drivel (which it is) but it brings you, my two readers up to date...

I have also been learning some new music and trying to memorize it and have found a new hangout after 6 years at what used to be my favorite coffee house.... now I spend my time at a wonderful tea house (Yummm!). After that, I ordered a cleaning robot that will help me when I have to go back to school (I have to continue my education to keep my salary at it's peak) and purchased some new software for studying languages (and I am impressed with it).Then, the uber-geek got to help his elderly parents set up and learn from how to use their iPhone (that was fun). A few more purchases and the network at home will finally be complete. I hope to get an iPhone for myself at least by April when my contract with Verizon is done but it's a great temptation to just go out now and spend the money!

I have a friend who is in a fine relationship (it's the early stages so this could change) but was able to find his lady through E-Harmony and convinced me to give it a try. If I start getting more responses, I might just bite the bullet and get a membership. He worked at dates and meeting people for about a year before his efforts bore fruit so I am figuring that I should take at least as long once I decide to "bite the bullet." And so I have returned to my blogging after a small sabbatical. More to come...