Campaign Corner :o)

First, let me preface this entry by saying that I have not made up my mind about who to vote for for President of the United States of America.  So, from now until the election, I will be making some entries, titled "Campaign Corner" that will hopefully provide information for you to contemplate :o)

This first entry is courtesy of the July 14, 2008, edition of Time Magazine.  The article is titled "High Rollers" and the premise is about what the gambling habits of the two Senators tells us about them.

McCain has a hankering for craps.  This game of chance "helped burnish his image as a political hot dog who relished the thrill of a good fight, even if the risk of failure was high."  The other aspect of this game that also fits his persona is "Taking a chance, playing against the odds."  McCain has always been anti-establishment and an advocate for change.

As for Obama, playing poker is "a way to vent his competitive urge." "Barack hates to lose."  The quote that most struck me was "If he runs his presidency the way he plays poker [risk adverse], I'll sleep good at night."

McCain is more about living dangerously, with streaks of success and disappointments.  Obama has been more diligent in executing a more premeditated strategy.  It will be interesting to see as the stakes are raised during this campaign season, how these gamblers respond, and whether said responses are a matter of luck, or premeditated.

Tags: Time Magazine, Campaign, Presidency, McCain, Obama

Qualiday :o)

Today was the end of a four day weekend for me.  At work, this is the first of five Qualiday's that we will be able to have.  In order to improve the quality of our away-from-work time, we have selected five Mondays where the majority of our personnel will have the day off (we will work 10 hour days the remainder of the week, like I don't already <LOL>).

After two days of doing household chores (built a new patio under our garage stairs and put in some stepping stones, and putting in gutter guards yesterday [bet the heat index on the roof was above 100 degrees since our thermometer registered 93 degrees in the shade of the deck]), I decided to have a more low key day today.

That worked out really well.  After sleeping in until about 10:00 A.M., up to have some coffee and to explore some J-land friends :o)  Then it was off to develop a document for business planning at our plant - something I spent a good four hours on.  Had I been at work, with interruptions and phone calls, I bet this would have taken me a good 12 hours.  Sometimes, having the ability to focus and concentrate, for long periods of time, can produce amazing results.

So here is hoping that you get the chance to focus on something that is important to you, and that you achieve your own amazing results.

Tags: Focus, Quality of Life, Chores

Science Scene: No Mutated Sea Bass Involved

 

So there is a new swimsuit, designed with help from NASA and its wind tunnels, made of low-drag, lightweight, polyurethane fabric that repels water. The swimsuit, made by Speedo, is called the LZR Racer. [When I saw the name LZR, which really does mean that the swimsuit is made using a laser, all I could think of was Austin Powers and the Sharks with "lasers" attached, but they were not available, so he had to settle for mutated, ill-tempered, Sea Bass],  "Bonded seams, so no stitches to cause drag. A hidden zipper - again, less drag. LZR panels reduce drag in some areas of the swimsuit by as much as 24% compared to other Speedo suits."

Once they shaved body hair; now they slip on spacesuits.  Many critics complained that the new gear is chiefly responsible for the recent rash of swimming world records.  "When I hit the water, I feel like a rocket," said world champion swimmer Michael Phelps about the Speedo LZR Racer suit. Phelps, who won six gold medals and two bronze at the last Summer Olympics in Athens, helped develop the much-talked swim wear. He and others who have worn the skintight body suit, since it debuted in February, had already set 40 of 44 world records as of June 29. By July 2, that number climbed to 44 out of 48 and it could go even higher as the U.S. Olympic trials continue.

 NASA researcher Steve Wilkinson also had a hand in the swimsuit's development. The aerospace engineer at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., admits he doesn't know much about swimming or swim wear.  Just like reducing drag helps planes fly more efficiently, reducing drag helps swimmers go faster. Studies indicate viscous drag or skin friction is almost one-third of the total restraining force on a swimmer. Wind tunnel tests measure the drag on the surface of the fabrics. "This is the first time I've tested a fabric and there were some challenges involved," said researcher Wilkinson. "It was a challenge to figure out how to get the fabric on a test plate and how to prepare the edges so nothing would interfere with air flow over the fabric. 

 

The smoother the fabric, the lower the drag.  Small advantages can make big differences.  A study cited in a recent Miami Herald article found that the drag-diminishing suits lowered times by 1.9 to 2.2 percent--the equivalent of about one second in a freestyle 100 meter race.  The biggest downside?  It can take a swimmer 20 minutes to squeeze into one of these swimsuits for a race that might last 20 seconds.  

And what's the impact on college sports? Speedo has patented the swimsuits and competitors in the industry will be unable to copy the LZR technology. If a school has a contract with a different clothing company, their competitive edge could be sacrificed. Some institutions will undoubtedly be stocked with Speedo's gear, while others won't. Even if there aren't corporate relationships to consider, the suits cost around $500, which would likely prove cost prohibitive.

Could innovations, like the LZR swimsuit, inadvertently create a class system in intercollegiate athletics? 

 

 

 

The following two sites were used as reference for the development of this Science Scene entry :o)

 

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080703132928.htm 

http://americandigest.org/mt-archives/american_studies/swimsuit_techno.php 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Speedo, Sea Bass, Austin Powers, Olympics

Science Scene: Blue - Not What You Think

I think I have been whacked up the back of the head by the “gauntlet” :o)

 

This entry is attributed to Beth’s entry yesterday over at Nutwood Junction, and my subsequent comments (and her diligent investigation at www.straightdope.com/columns/000728.html).  So, I humbly present to you, Blue – Not What You Think.

 

 

Oddly, there is absolutely NO pigment to make feathers blue. So how can we possibly have such vivid blue birds as Indigo Buntings, Blue Jays, and bluebirds? Their feathers don't produce that color with any chemical. Instead, the color is produced simply by the way some cells are arranged on the feather. This makes blue a STRUCTURAL color. Blue jay feathers contain particles so small that they cause selective scattering (reflection in all directions) of the shorter wavelengths of light, which collectively appear blue. In the jay, the cells containing these microscopic particles are underlain by another cell layer containing the dark pigment melanin. The contrast of blue against a dark background makes the color stand out.

Blue and green pigments are virtually unknown in birds, having been found only in an African species known as the turaco. In other birds, including your jays, bluebirds, etc., the blue is merely a trick of the light, producing what ornithologists call a structural color or schemochrome. Grind up a blue feather--no blue. For that matter, hold a blue feather up to the light, so that you're seeing it by transmitted rather than reflected light, and you'll find the blue disappears.

In parrots you've got the same basic structure, except that the blue-producing layer is overlain by a transparent yellow layer. Blue masked by yellow produces green. White feathers are also schemochromic. They look that way because they reflect all colors, but they contain no pigment and under certain conditions can be shown to be transparent.

Seeing is Believing
If you can find a Blue Jay feather, see how bright it is when light shines on it. Then hold it up to a light source so light passes through it, and see how it turns brownish gray when you see the true pigment color!

Tags: Science, Blue Jay, Reflected Light, blogplugs

Congressional Perspective II

On Monday, I wrote regarding Congressman Upton's visit to Cook Nuclear Plant, and yesterday I posted my second "second" moment in the spotlight :o)

Today, I finish my information and perspectives from Congressman Upton's visit.

So first, I will discuss the main purpose of the visit.  The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) awarded Lake Michigan College (LMC) an $80,000 plus grant to help fund a scholarship program for full time students enrolled in the Energy Production Technology Program.  The program was created in partnership with Cook and the Palisades Plant. 

So why this grant and why now?  Between now and 2010, roughly 36 percent of our workforce is scheduled to retire.  The need for employees will grow as nuclear power begins to expand.  [Could this be a boon for those of us already in the industry, Hmmm, in 4-5 years, us old-timers might be able to write our own ticket :o)]

Second, what is Congressman Upton's take on the fall election?  For this part of my entry, I will only list some one-liners, since these are the opinions of one person, who happens to have an insider view, but has not documented these comments.  Also, recall that Fred (as he likes to be called) is the Michigan Chair for McCain's campaign, and is also involved in his national campaign.  So take these one-liners as a grain of salt, and consider them for what they are worth :o)  Paraphrased observations are provided below and my observations are provided in [ ].

There is a difference in the delivery between McCain and Obama, Obama gives great speeches, McCain does great in the Town Hall format.   [Should be interesting to see how the debate format unfolds]

To improve the Michigan economy, like the American economy, we need to take a long term approach.  Through research and tax credits, we need to help core industries such as the auto industry.  With what is occurring, we cannot afford to raise taxes. [This is where I am not sure which way to vote in November. As a Republican, I despise increased taxes, and believe that we need to have less Federal government.  But I also believe that we need to help all those in our country, especially those who are not thriving. I am fiscally conservative, but lean more toward being socially liberal :o(]

Energy Policy: Tough sledding for Nuclear if Obama is elected.  Obama is mum on Yucca Mountain and is silent on nuclear power.  [This is not a realistic or positive way to deal with global warming]

As for the election itself, Fred's assessment is that it will come down to three states, and whoever wins 2 of the 3 will be the victor.  The states are Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.  This is based on a state by state review, and looking at historical voting and the trend from the primaries. 

[Last but not least, how about the VP selection].  Fred had an opportunity to reminisce about the 1988 election.  This was when Dan Quayle was named as the VP selection.  On the day that Quayle was selected, Fred had been quoted as saying "Quayle - No Way!"  Fred's assessment for this election year is that the VP will definitely make a difference.  His advice to McCain was to not let the press force a decision, the most important thing was to know who the opponent is, and then to think strategically.  [Refer to the comments about key states above].  Fred's personal assessment is that the key contender for VP on Obama's team is Senator Biden, and that there is no way it will be Hillary.  As for McCain, he believes the main contender is Tom Ridge, who was involved in Homeland Security, and is also from Pennsylvania [a twofer].  Further Republican assessment is that Romney does not help much, and Crist is a no since Florida should already be in his camp.

Hope you got a tidbit or two from this ramble, but I have to admit that it was great to be there to hear one of our Congressman speak, and to get his views on the election. 

Happy Birthday America, what a great country we live in!

Tags: Obama, McCain, Election, Nuclear, Energy, Michigan

American Appreciation

Happy Birthday America :o)

Here is hoping that you all have a wonderful holiday weekend, and that you think about those who serve our country today, just as those so many years ago did.

I was talking with a co-worker today who recently went to China with her daughter's cheerleading squad.  She shared how much she was glad that she had visited, but that she would never travel to Asia again.  She indicated that most of the country is about 40 years behind our progress and development, and that some of the places they visited seemed like 100 years behind the times.  She said it was difficult to handle, but that she was glad she experienced it and that it definitely was a defining moment for her, and that she appreciates all that we have here in the states.

The part of the trip that I did not realize was that they had gone to perform in front of the Olympic Judges.  Turns out that the IOC is considering making Cheerleading a competitive event, and that of all the potential places and squads, our Michiana (SW Michigan, NW Indiana) squad was selected to demonstrate the skills and athleticism required.  It was even more difficult since it had rained, and the planned outside demonstration was moved inside, and they had to perform their routine on wet mats.  They performed admirably :o)

Makes us think of our trip to the Caribbean last year, where we witnessed some truly depressed areas.  We are lucky to live where we live, to have what we have, and to experience the freedoms that we have.  Life in America, to me, is full of choice.  Part of this choice is your outlook, and mine is that the glass is half full.  Here is wishing that your glass gets fuller and fuller as you go forward, I know mine is!

Tags: China, Olympics, Caribbean, America, Choice

Stern and Sleeper :o)

Over the past several days, I have had several people comment that I "made the news :o)"  This is with respect to the previous entry I made regarding Congressman Upton discussing nuclear power, and Cook Plant and Palisades (Entergy Co.) announcing a new Nuclear Technology scholarship and degree program. 

Today, at a meeting, our Support Services VP indicated that our Senior VP had commented about how he fell asleep as soon as the Senior VP started talking.  In reality, he was stretching his neck (he has horses and bales hay in the evenings).

So, if you are so inclined, I am the one sitting in a chair, with a green shirt, and my arms crossed, and the Support Services VP is the one that has his head rolling back slightly.  It is a short video, enjoy :o)

WNDU Coverage

 

Tags: Nuclear Power, Cook Plant, Palisades, Scholarship