The 50th Anniversary of NASA

I recently watched a 90-minute documentary about the history of NASA dedicated to NASA's 50th Anniversary. (I realize the anniversary occurred a few years ago.) This is a very interesting and informative video. It was also reverent when discussing the Challenger and Columbia disasters. I recommend it highly!

Dad, you'll love it! Maybe you'll recognize some old friends and co-workers. You'll definitely recognize some old projects.

Here's the link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/nasa-50th-anniversary-moments/id282901894 and what you will see.

Enjoy!

July 3, 2022 Update: Sadly, that podcast isn't available now. - John

Living on Puerto Rico Time

I began my work shift last night at 5 PM. That's been pretty common lately. But soon after, I received word that a representative from a vender who's equipment we have been having problems with was flying into town and would arrive at the plant at 8 AM this morning to help troubleshoot the equipment. Also, that I should go home to sleep and arrive back at the plant at 8 AM.

I couldn't sleep. I've been on the night shift for weeks now and sleeping at night is not normal. Besides, I slept until just before I left for work. I wasn't very tired.

End result? I got maybe 4 hours sleep, but got up on time and struggled through the PR traffic to make it to the plant on time to meet the vender.

It's nearly 10. He's not here. He was too tired to get up and make it to the plant on time.

I would be roasted alive if I pulled that stunt.

Insert shaking fist and gnashing teeth here.

Study Notebook at LDS.org

The Church has finally added some help information for the My Study Notebook feature on lds.org. The feature itself appears to be working better as well. That's good. It looks like it could be a very useful tool, but until recently was difficult to use, especially without good directions.

Here's a link to the help screen. There are other help features as well that I am investigting today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvOQdUE2CCA&feature=player_embedded

And here's an example of what I have so far.

Hope this is helpful for you.

Navy Ship Sighted in San Juan Harbor

If you're following Bizzy's Blog, you'll know that we visited Old San Juan again today. As we entered town today, we noticed a new ship in port and it sure looked like a navy ship, but not one of ours. After a little research, Bizzy and I determined it's the Dutch Navy's HNLMS Rotterdam, an amphibious landing platform dock. Here's a link to some info about it: The Rotterdam. The description has some interesting notes about it's medical services capabilities, but says little about it's naval systems, like the fact that has a helicopter landing pad and hanger on the stern. (I found a summary of it's equipment along the right-hand side of the web page.)

Here's a photo from Wikipedia. It doesn't show the small gun on the bow or the CIWS (Close In Weapons System, commonly called on our ships R2-D2 because of it's resemblance to the famous droid.)



Here's the photo Bizzy took of the Rotterdam in port today through the trolley window.

When we realized it was a Dutch ship, we thought that its presence was a little ironic as we had just learned during our Old San Juan tour of El Morro about the Dutch's invasion of Puerto Rico in the 1600s. Think of what the Rotterdam can carry. Hmmm.

For comparison, here's a link to the current US Navy's version of the LPD: San Antonio Class. Very impressive! Perhaps the most famous ship in this class is the USS New York, LPD-21, which was partially constructed using steel from the World Trade Center debris, of which I've emailed previously.

Our Trip to Puerto Rico!

Bizzy has done a great job documenting our trip. You can read all about it at Bizzy's Blog. Enjoy!

Sapce Shuttle Discovery Launch Viewed from an Airplane

Wow! Check out this You Tube Video of the last scheduled launch of the space shuttle Discovery on February 24, 2011. It was taken by Neil Monday, a fortunate and quick-thinking passenger on a flight passing by the launch site at the right time.

Enjoy!



BYU Named Most Popular University... Again

Here's an interesting article on BYU's latest honor, bestowed by US News and World Report magazine.

BYU Most Popular University

Congratulations to all BYU Alumni!

Hiking to Panorama Trail

Meghan is 13 now and we are hiking and camping buddies. We hiked the Panorama Trail in Yosemite last October and had a fantastic time. The hike from Glacier Point to Yosemite Valley via Illilouette Falls, Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls and the Mist Trail is 8 1/2 miles and includes a 3200 foot elevation change overall with many steep climbs and descents in between.

We had a fantastic time there and look forward to trying it again. We are also considering a longer hike into the mountains to the east of Nevada Falls and Little Yosemite.

Here is a map of our hike. We followed the red path.

Check out the photos I posted in the slide show accompanying this post. Enjoy!

Setting Goals for Scripture Study

I set a goal to study my scriptures more frequently and regularly and the best way to achieve that is to keep it in the front of my mind and keep a record of my progress. Then, to report it. So, I set up an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of my reading verses a % read goal for the month and the year.

I've uploaded this empty file to the Davis_Tribe and ClawClan Yahoo! group sites if you want it. Or, you can ask me for it.

Of course, just reading isn't the same as studying and pondering the scriptures with a prayer and invitation for the Spirit, but it's a step in the right direction.

Drain the Ocean!

No, I'm not promoting that anyone actually drains the great oceans of the world. BUT, I am suggesting that you watch a really interesting 2-hour National Geographic Channel show by that name about the topography and geology of the ocean floors. The show traveled around the world draining the ocean a bit at a time showing the various canyons, ridges, abyssal plains and trenches from the Monterey Canyon to Hawaii to Spain and the Marianas Trench. Geologists and other scientists walk through these undersea features via CGI explaining how they formed and how they are changing. It also talked about the new life forms discovered recently that live independent of the sun. Highly recommended!

For example, here's a sample from the show: Sample Video from the Show

Here's the link to the show's website: NatGeo's Drain the Ocean. Unfortunately, I was not able to locate it on Netflix or iTunes, but it shows up occasionally on the National Geographic Channel.

Enjoy!