The Future of Spaceflight

It's been a long journey. The combined mileage on all of NASA's shuttles in 513.7 million miles. Each shuttle has spent the past 30 years freighting satellites, people, and even fourth grade science experiments into space. But it hasn't been easy. The space shuttle is arguably the most complex machine humanity has ever created. Period dot. The computer systems alone help launch the United States into the digital age, while the communications satellites that were the shuttle's payloads establish the global communications net that we Americans take for granted every day. And that's just scratching the surface.

And yet the American government in Washington, DC continues to cut funding to our nation's space programs. Many a person has heard lawmakers say “I think we should solve our problems here on Earth before we go into space.” But let's really look into that statement with some figures, shall we?

According to TheSpaceReview.com "For every $1 the federal government spends on NASA, it spends $98 on social programs" and that was in 2007, before we cut the space program and increased social welfare spending with the controversial "Obama-care" and government bailouts. Now, I don't have a stated problem with these programs, as one helps those in need and the other is a practice in Keynesian economics, but I do have a problem with some other government facts. 

If you'll glance at this pie chart for fiscal year 2010, you'll notice that the Department of Defense takes up 18.74 % of our budget. Social welfare programs, including unemployment, public housing,Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security take up a combined 58.14% of our nation's budget. Yet, education is only allotted 1.32% of our budget, and care for wounded soldiers is allotted only .74% . And NASA, who has been accused ob "budget stealing" for the past decade only takes up .58% of our budget. 

Something is wrong here. Something is wrong in a country that allots more money to pay people who are capable of work to not work than towards its children's educations. You may argue that the state is supposed to pay the lion's share of those dollars, but federal educational grants are important parts of state budgets nationwide and help many states fund special education programs they otherwise wouldn't be able to try because of the make-up of their tax base. 

In closing, we'll miss you space shuttles. You were a shining star of Americanism that hovered over our heads. You represent the closing chapters of the mighty governmental space programs. But you are also a herald. A herald that showed us about government waste through the power of publicity. You showed us the most advanced programs we have are only .58% of our budget. You pointed out the flaws in spending so much money on programs that are easily abused, like social welfare. We thank you for your service. 

Go in peace to love and to serve. 

Sam

The Socratic Circle

It occurs to me, as I sit here with my closest friends, that I have shared the company of many incredibly intelligent people this past week. In a group of friends called the "Socratic Circle" (self titled of course) we are discussing topics ranging from Sartre's existentialist views to the NFL lockout and player's rights. With such a wealth of information and such breadth of topics it is hard to imagine a more fertile place for a group of young minds.

Anyhow, I've waxed prose. Remember that project I told you about? I've finally decided my topic and what I am going to do. I am doing a small group psychology experiment based on whether or not Rousseau, Locke, or Hobbes is correct on their theory of formation of government. Exciting right? I'm taking volunteers to be expiremented on.

As for the rest of my week. I went to a tai chi session that was eye opening and led me to a seminar on yoga. Yoga has opened my eyes to the power of the breath, and I wish to expand my knowledge of yoga. Today I went to a Tae Kwan Do seminar and learned many things, like white belt forms (part 2). I really enjoyed Tae Kwan Do, but not as much as yoga. My Indian friend wants me to read the Bhagabad Gita. He thinks it will help meachievee self awareness. I guess.

Anyhow, I now go on with my studying journey and other adventures here at GHP. I wish you luck in your travels.

May the wind always at your back.

Sam

Lazy Sunday

Have you ever heard that Bruno Mars song? Seems like everyone has these days. Anyhow, it's an accurate title. Today I slept in to about 10:30. We had a dance last night, and I wore a toga. Epic right? My major here at GHP is Social Studies, so yes I am a history nerd. However, when you compound that with a minor in Latin, you get a mega Roman history nerd. The toga was so comfortable that I'm debating wearing one every Tuesday. I'll post a link to the twitpic, or maybe just the pic itself. 

These past few days have been a rush of academia. I've learned so much about dams, Africa, twitter, friendship bracelets, people, and so much more. I've had a teacher who introduced me to the wonders of Civil Engineering, which is really interesting, and she's probably affected my real college major decision. We have to work on projects (finals really) and I've been researching like Rocky. The topic is going to be a surprise, I'll tell you guys later, but its pretty good if a little arcane.

But what every guy at GHP has really learned so far is about girls. And every girl has learned about guys. Ladies, keep your hopes up, all smart sensitive guys are not homely or Asian. Some are Colombian, some Indian, some black, and there's a few whites too. Guys, there are some beautiful, smart and fun girls, you just have to look hard and find them. They aren't all as dumb as a sack of hammers. 

I now sign off to go to a Jazz concert and live a little. I suggest you do the same! Go out and find someone, climb a tree, or do some art! I painted today, and it was awesome! GOOD LUCK! 

Idomus ad victorum!

Sam 

 TOGA LINK

Welcome Reader!

     Hello and welcome to the first installment of "The Weekly Slog", a trek through the fascinating and marvelously mundane life of a guy named Sam. In this blog I will share stories about what interesting things have happened to me this week, what great things I have done/heard about this week, or I might comment on world news (or I might talk about whatever, we'll see). I started this blog at a great event held at a local college known as Governor's Honors Program. Basically, its summer school for the smartest kids in the state. Trust me, there are some serious eggheads here. I'll post a link to the website if you want more information.

     The point of this blog, really and truly, is an experiment. I am a social studies kind of guy and the whole "micro-revolution" idea fascinates me. Hopefully my daily activities and thoughts will become little Che Gueveras inside your head, causing you to look at life with the experience of also looking through my perspective. I should come out with a post weekly, but don't hold me because I will forget every now and again. (I'm just human guys). These first few posts will probably be about GHP and current events, and I may update as news strikes or if something really awesome happens. You can follow this blog via email to keep up if you want. Just look to the top right area of your screen. I'm now gonna stop rambling and just post. Please become a reader!

Here goes nothing,
Sam

GHP Link