Missed My Exit On The Road Of Life

I was talking on one of my message-boards about a presentation that has been put out by several NASA staffers about the dis-connectivity between NASA and Generation Y.  In it is mentioned the fact that many Gen Yers have not really seen the triumphs of NASA or what NASA has done that affects our everyday life.   One of the board members said that she didn't know anything about it but thought that NASA was only a drain on government funds.  Only a couple of people could come up with any innovations that NASA has created or inspired. 

I'll admit this is a hot button for me.  I have spent the past 18 years of  my life about 10 miles as the crow flies from the Kennedy Space Center launch pads.  I worked at the Visitor's Center as a teenager.  My sister did a high school internship at KSC.  My father works for a contractor.  NASA and the space program are in my blood even if I do not work in that field.

I think we need to encourage our teenagers and younger children to look at NASA as a great adventure and to show them everything NASA has done to improve our lives.  Even to a non science person and math athiest like myself, this is fascinating. I have a partial list of some innovations and improvements that NASA has either created or inspired.  At the bottom of the post will be a couple of fun websites with more information. 

NASA in the home:

Infrared ear thermometers
Environmentally safe sewage treatment
Municipal-use water treatment systems
Reflective insulation
Enriched baby food
Water purification
Portable cordless vacuums
Freeze dried foods
Improved software for computers
Cushioning systems for sneakers
Liquidmetal alloy for sports equipment
Temperpedic mattresses
Bicycle helmets
Scratch resistant and UV blocking glasses
Wireless headsets
Insulated paint

NASA in the city:

Medical
LEDS (such as WARP 10 for muscle/joint pain relief)
Automatic insulin pumps
Clean room apparel
Artificial limbs (foam cushioning, strength, realism, robotics)
Precision dialysis pumps and filters
Invisible braces (Transcend)
Diamond coating for artificial hip joints
Corneal refractive therapy (improved contact lenses, nonsurgical ways to reshape the cornea)
Dentapure purification cartridge
Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) to prolong the life of those waiting for heart transplants
Gait analysis system for PT patients

Public Safety
Fire resistant heat shields to slow building collapse
Video Image Stabilization and Registration for FBI video analysis
Fire sensors for US Forest Service
Face masks and fire suits for fire fighters
Radio and breathing systems for fire fighters
Land mine removal techniques
Anthrax detection systems
LifeShear cutters
Flame retardant coatings (PCC)
Self illuminating emergency exit pathways

Air Travel
Collision avoidance systems
Clean burning engines
Anti-icing systems
Optics for high speed ticket processing
Pilot stress tests
Cabin pressure warning systems

Manufacturing
Powdered lubricants
Protective cool suits
Quick fasteners
Smoke stack monitors
Chemical detection systems

Sports
Plasma displays
Foam for protective padding
Heart rate monitors

Automotive
Improved radial tires
Chassis design for school buses
Crash analysis systems
Computer software (NASTRAN) for structural analysis
Safety grooving on roads

Grocery
Food safety systems (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point developed by Pillsbury for NASA)
Ethylene removal systems to reduce spoilage
Refrigeration show cases

Coastal
Miniature personal locator beacons for rescue at sea
Flood monitoring
Environmentally safe ship cleaning
Oceanic monitoring
Petroleum remediation product to clean up oil spills
Electromigration technique to prevent corrosion on dams and bridges

NASA for the media

NASA Contributions to Aviation

NASA Spinoff Database

 

Let's encourage our kids to become the next great scientists, programmers, engineers and astronauts.

 

Well, I'm giving a new blog host a try.  All my future blogs will be posted to the link below.  Hope to see y'all there.

 

or When you know your school is losing it:

1. Moral, ethical, or spiritual values come last. (e.g. students are viewed primarily as a "revenue stream")

 

2. The Faculty loses control of the curriculum. (e.g. departments are cut, programs eliminated, courses abolished by Administration for financial rather than curricular reasons)

 

3. Academic programs are reduced while sports and athletics expand

 

 

4. Course diversity and curricular choices diminish; "requirements" increase

 

5. Fine Art and Fine Arts programs are considered a "luxury" or elitist (e.g. Randolph College attorneys in Lynchburg, VA, recently justified selling works from the college's outstanding collection of American art by describing the art as "a tiara on a homeless vagrant.")

 

 

6. Faculty oversight of admissions and admission standards disappears

 

7. "Creativity," "bold & imaginative thinking" is constantly called for while innovative and creative programs with low enrollments go unsupported or are eliminated

 

 

8. Participatory decision making by the community and principles of shared governance are ignored or are employed in only a token way

 

9. The freedom to speak critically of the institution, its faculty, or administration is discouraged or actively punished

 

 

10. Inspiring and distinguished faculty and staff leave, retire, or separate from the institution; junior faculty don't stay or are not kept

 

11. The complexion of students, faculty, and administration drifts towards a homogeneity of values, class, or race

 

 

12. Faculty are intimidated or choose to remain silent about critical issues outside of the classroom; academic and intellectual freedom are
compromised

 

13. The institution is constantly "restructuring" its staff, its academic programs, or administration. (Along with the restructuring often comes unrealistic demands and expectations placed upon a reduced staff with no additional compensation or rewards and the work environment becomes toxic.)

 

 

14. Grade inflation becomes a tool for retention

 

15. Buzz words, gimmicks, sound bites, and slick publications supplant substance; promises to "recruits" disappear once they arrive

 

credited to a member of the Save Reading/Keep RM a WC discussion group

 

 

Vicki: "You're keeping an eye out, aren't you?"
Henry: "There's two rats mating one floor down, otherwise, we're alone." Love the look on his face when he says mating

Vicki: "Wow, if you could work days, I wouldn't need the bugs. "

Henry: "Vicki, I was wondering, what are you doing tomorrow night?"

Vicki: "Ahh, I was going to type up the transcripts from the wiretaps.  why?"

Henry: "I have a piece in a gallery show asn I was wondering if..."

Vicki: "A fine art show?"

Henry: "The show is called Dark Visions.  Every piece is inspired by the dark side of human nature."

Vicki: "And you want me to accompany you?"

Henry: "It's rare that I expose myself to the public in this way and I wanted to share it with someone special."

Vicki: "Well, yeah, of course.  I'd be honored.  I'm just surprised you don't want to take one of those artsy babes you usually like to chow down on." Did she just imply he snacks on her more than that one time?

Henry: "You're different.  You'll give me an honest opinion and I think you might have some interest in the subject of my painting."

Vicki: "Well, an invitation and a mystery.  How can I refuse that?"

Henry: "Very well."

Vicki: "A real date, huh?" (very bemused)

Henry: "Did I mention there's somebody coming up the stairs?"

Vicki: "No."

Henry: "There's somebody coming up the stairs."

Vicki: "Ok...oh, yeah...you know what, your sentry skills leave a little bit to be desired."

 

There is a story abotu a killer painting that I just can't remember.  No, not Dorian Gray or anything like that.  Something where there was a subtle aspect to the painting tha came to life and killed.  An urban legend.

 

Vicki: "This an introduction or a sales pitch?"

 

Oh, sweet mercy, he has a bedazzled crotch.  I don't even have the words. 

 

Henry: "You're wearing a dress." No need to sound so surprised, Henry.

 

Henry: "Oh, come on, she's a little young for me, don't you think?"

Vicki: "Isn't everybody? By the way, I think you owe me a little commission."

Henry: "Well, did I at least get the guns right?"

Vicki: "You know I prefer berettas."

 

What's with the eyeliner Henry is wearing?  I don't remember him wearing any before.

 

Mike: "Oh, I'm sorry, only humans get to ask for humane."

 

"Captain Midnight."  Dying over here.  Just dying.

 

I can't say how much I adore the ME.  She kills me with things like "must have been quite painful" and "isn't it grand?"

 

Vicki: "Vicki Nelson, vampire wrangler, at your service."

 

He said she is innocent and bam, that's the end of that part of the investigation?  Peroid? End of story? 

 

Henry: "There has to be some evidence."

Vicki: "Henry, that is evidence!"

Henry drops it all panicky.

 

Vicki universal truth: Things change.  People get broken.

 

 

 

 

Maybe it is because I love the 40's so much, or that I adore Jack.  It could be the depth of emotion in the episode.  Or it could just be that kiss. 

 

Jack: "Just dashing, young soldiers and pretty, young ladies. As they danced, the girls would look into their partner's eyes, smile softly, and say..."

Tosh: "Jack, mind my laptop."

Jack: "I was thinking more along the lines of 'How long before you head off to war?"."

 

Jack is almost giddy just in his rememberance.  For all his travel and his origins, the 1940's were his time. (Doctor Who fans, did you spot the 'Vote Saxon' poster?)

 

I almost died laughing when I heard these lines:

"Captain Jack Harkness, 133th squadron."

"Captain Ja..mes Harper, 71st."

By the by, for the rest of the blog, he's going to be called the Real Captain Jack Harkness, or RCJH for short.

 

 

Tosh: "Why does that man have your name?  I'm lost enough here without you holding back more."

Jack: "It's not my name.  It's his.  I took his...but I didn't realize he was so...hot."

Tosh: "Jack."

Jack: "I know too much."

Tosh: "Then share."

Jack: "You wouldn't want that. Trust me."

 

Bilis the manager.  Well, that's what he made me; bilious.  Though he does make a tidy, little villian particularly with the Torchwood dossier in his desk.

 

Tosh: "This period, you look like you fit in.  Have you been here before?"

Jack: "Yeah, I can't explain but I served in the war in 1941.  I was undercover; I needed a false identity so I took his name."

Tosh: "Who were you before you took his name?" (notice he didn't answer that) "Why him?"

Jack: "I was convinent."
Tosh: "But if you chose his identity to steal then he..."

Jack: "Dies in battle."

Tosh: "When?"

Jack: "Tomorrow."

 

RCJH does not look os thrilled when Nancy walks in.  Did you kinda get the impression she wasn't so much to his taste? 

 

Now that is a confrontational woman.  Think she is just jealous?  George really wasn't helping the situation but the Captain Jacks swooped in for the save.

 

RCJH: "Oh, you can't run out on me.  I just got you a drink."

 

Jack's universal truth: "You don't know what's ahead.  Kiss her goodbye."

 

The look on RCJH's face when Nancy said 'I love you' was priceless.  Very much an 'oh, shit' look.

 

Jack: "Her falling for you is hardly my fault.  Play it cool in front of your men bu tnot in front of me.  Look, it's ok to be scared."

RCJH: "A captain has to keep his head."

Jack: "A captain has to explain the risks to his men, what to expect."

RCJH: "So what do I do?  Tell them I say a young boy get shot in the eyes midflight?"

Jack: "I understand."

RCJH: "Do you? Did you hear him on the radio yelling for his mom while the Messerschmitts pumped him full of holes and blew his plane apart?  All I could hear on the radio..."

Jack: "...his screams.  I went to war when I was a boy.  I was with my best friend.  We got caught crossig the border over enemy lines.  They tortured him, not me, because he was weaker.  They made me watch him die and they let me go."

RCJH: "Who were they?"

Jack: "The worse possible ceratures you can imagine...I pursuaded him to join up.  I said it would be an adventrue.  He hadn't lived."

RCJH: "Have any of us?"

(tell me that wasn't a "moment" there)

 

Eyeroll moment: "Thing is, you could be the last girl I ever kiss."  I bet men have been saying things like that since the beginning of time.

 

Tosh while I'm greatly impressed with your dedication (and desire to go home) there are two things to think about: 1) tetanus, and 2) lead poisoning.

 

I love all the little  moments Jack and RCJH have just staring into each others eyes.  They are brilliant.  The suave lover isn't so suave anymore.

 

RCJH: "Why did you make me kiss her goodbye?"

Jack: "I just think you should live every night like it's your last.  Make tonight the best night of our life.  You're alive right here, right now.  Your men are fine."

RCJH: "What are you trying to say?"

Jack: "Go to her.  Go to your woman and lose yourself in her."

RCJH: "Maybe I should."

Jack: "Yeah."

RCJH: "Is Toshiko your woman?"

Jack: "No, there's no one.  Go to her."

 

Jack, you were so caught up in the guilt of taking his name and knowing he was going to die the following day thus wanting him to have a memorable night that you were COMPLETELY missing (or ignoring) the subtext.  The whole crestfallen look when you told him to go to her, asking about your love life, and using the "Maybe I should " line which is the equavalent of a woman saying "FINE!"

 

Jack: "I'd thought you'd gone.  This could be your last chance."

RCJH: "That's why I came back."

Jack: "I might have to leave before the night is over."

RCJH: "Well, then make the most of now." He takes Jack's hand and they're interrupted.

Jack: "We'll go somewhere else."

RCJH: "No, you've told me all I need to know."

 

Jack: "Tomorrow is their last training exercise.  Just another day.  They go out on a sortie and are surprised by two formations of Messerschmitts.  He destroys three of the enemy.  His men listen to his whoops of joy over the radio.  Then it all goes quiet.  He can't bail out because his whole plane is on fire but his men all make it back to safety."

 

Tosh: "Who were you?"

Jack: "A con man.  That's why I took his name and falisfied his records so it seemed he was still alive."

Tosh: "How did you end up in Torchwood?"
Jack: "Someone saved my life.  Brought me back from death and ever since then it's been like they're keeping me for something and I don't know what it is.  I'm sorry for dragging you into this."

Tosh: "It was my choice."

 

Owen: "That rift took my lover and my captain."

Nice delusion Owen.  She left of her own free will.  She didn't want to be tied to you in this time.  Learn to fracking deal with it.  Contrary to your belief, everything is not about you.  The past few episodes have shown a side to Owen that has brought me to hate him.  All the thinks of is himself.  While he was a sarcastic tosser before, he has turned into a cruel bastard who is trying to make everyone as miserable as he.

 

When RCJH pulled Jack onto that dance floor, I was spell bound.  The emotions beaming from their faces and the almost kiss were stunning.  Then the rift opening and Jack going back for the kiss.  Oh, gods, that kiss.  It was so passionate and heartfelt.  I actually teared up.  It was beautiful.  Simply beautiful.

 

Tosh: "It was war time, I know, but it was beautiful."

Jack: "There were angels dancing at the Ritz."

 

Tosh: "He would have been so proud you took his name cause here you are saving the world. To Captain Jack."

Jack: "To Captain Jack."

 

 

 

Again, Jack with the running.  Always with the running.  Not saying I really mind but could we have some of it done without the long coat?  I cannot be the only one who would like to see him run without the coat.

 

Jack: Rhys, is it?  Nice to meet you.  Sorry, it's kind of an emergency, I'll have her back by dessert."

Rhys: "Hey, hold on.  That's my girlfriend."

Gwen: "Rhys, this is Jack."

Rhys: "Sit down, Gwen."

Gwen: "He's my boss."

Rhys: "Sit the fuck down."

Gwen: (calmly and firmly) "Don't ever speak to me like that."

Jack: "Come on, Gwen.  Let's go."

Rhys: "Hey she's with me tonight.  One night off.  You promised.  Don't you dare.  If you go now, Gwen..."

 

(musical cell ring sounds)

Tosh: "Is it his?"

Jack: "You don't think I'd choose that ringtone?"

 

Ooo, such a nice try Owen, trying to fake voicemail after answering the phone.

 

Gwen: "What about this bloke? Someone's got to break it to his wife he's dead."

Everyone looks at each other and back at Gwen.  If she hadn't have brought it up, she wouldn't have been stuck with it.

 

Gwen: "The shittiest part about being a police officer and I can't get away from it. (she looks over at Owen and he remains silent) Thanks for your kind words of support."

Owen: "What do you want me to say? That you'll be all right in the end?"

Gwen: "You can always count on Owen to make you feel better."

 

Owen really does spent most of this episode lashing out at others.  He doesn't know how ot deal with the loss of the first woman with which he has fallen in love.  The emotions are all so foreign to him, he blunders around like a wounded bear batting at those surrounding him.

 

Kudos, Jack, that was an exceptional use of guilt to make that guy talk.  You are an expert torturer.

 

Jack: "OK, Janet, time for a trip out."

Tosh: "You call it Janet?"

Jack: "Barbara just never seemed right."

Tosh makes an excellent straight man, doesn't she? 

 

Ok, I just have to comment on this.  They are following Janet, when they spot the van taking it, and so they hide.  Where do they hide, you ask?  Behind a chain link fence, of course.  Premiere hiding spot of law enforcement worldwide. 

 

This is the first time I've spotted the claw marks on Mark's back.  How did I miss that before?

 

Mark: "It's closer than you think.  Something's coming...out there... in the darkness....something's coming."

All the foreshadowing about the thing that is coming, the thing in the dark, is fantastic.  Really gets your hopes up and it is nice that it comes from such a wide variety of characters.

 

Gwen that confession was only to make YOU feel better.  I'm sure Rhys would have loved never to know and drugging him, damn girl, what is wrong with you.  You want him to forgive you to make you feel better but then you want him to forget it so he doesn't hate you.  I'm not really seeing a winner in this situation.  Then once he ahs passed out you head back to work.  Partially because you feel safe there and partially because you want a distraction from what you have just done.  Serves you right that no one was there.  Interesting how when she found the info from the text message that she put her hand to her ear and tried to talk to Jack.  I guess she spends so much time at work that it is odd if she isn't wearing the earpiece.

 

Gods, that annoyed me so much right there, when she rearrangd Tosh's desk.  I have a coworker who does crap like that to me.  Make me nuts.  I put things certain ways for certain reasons.  Don't mess with it.

 

Marl: "Same as us.  Ordinary blokes just trying to find meaning in a world that doesn't have any."

Owen: "You don't really believe that now, do ya?"

Mark: "We're the dispossessed, Owen.  All the certainties our fathers had are gone.  We're a generation of no faith in society, in religion, in life.  All we can do is reduce ourselves to the basics.  This is only the warm-up."

Lovely speech, complete bullshit, but lovely nonetheless.  It is simply a justification for beating the crap out of each other and the Wevil.

 

Mark: "The ultimate extreme sport.  Too much disposable income, not enought meaning, that's us."

 

Whoever stays in the ring the longest *insert eyeroll here*  Why don't you just grab a measuring tape and whip it out?  It'd be easier.

 

I'm impressed tha tOwen held the wevil at bay with his mind until Jack distracted him.

 

Recken.  I adore that Jack said, reckon.

 

Owen: "For a few seconds in that cage, I felt totally at peace."

 

Did the wevil bite change Owen or had he already begun to change from close study of the wevils and esposure to the rift?