Remembering the Challenger Disaster

Twenty-nine years ago today, January 28, 1986, the world witnessed a tragedy; the space shuttle Challenger "killed seven crew members when, just 73 seconds after launch, a booster engine failed and caused the shuttle to break apart in midair" (Schupak, 2015).

Friends began revisiting their memories of where they were on that fateful day, which encouraged me to do the same on this blog.

I was in third grade in Franklin, NH.  The entire building was constructed without "rooms"; the classes consisted of walls that did not reach the ceiling.  It was more like a cubicle at a workplace.  Needless to say, it became loud during school hours.  On January 28, 1986, our class went across the hall to the other classroom to watch the launch.  I remember thinking, "What is the big deal?"  However, it did get me away from classwork, so it was not too much of a big deal on that point.  Though, I did not realize how much of a big deal it would truly be.

We all sat down and talked until the program, if I recall correctly we were watching ABC for the news coverage, started.  The countdown began and we all counted with it.  I could hear children from all over the school counting along.  The shuttle rocketed upward.  There was cheers and applause.  Then, it happened.  Something I, and many others around the world, had not seen before.  The school became silent, as if the school had closed and no one was left in the building.  No one needed an explanation of what occurred.  It was a few minutes before the teachers started gathering all the students and shutting the televisions off.

I do not remember the rest of that day, but I can remember exactly where I was sitting in that classroom across the hall: third row back, on the right side of the television.  It is amazing how well we can remember certain events, and the particulars.  It is etched in my mind forever.

On this day, I wish to forward my heart and hugs to those who witnessed this event.  Moreover, I wish to send my thoughts and heart to the families of the seven:

Commander:
Francis R. Scobee

Pilot:
Michael J. Smith

Mission Specialists:
Judith A Resnik
Ellison S. Onizuka
Ronald E. McNair

Payload Specialists:
Gregory B Jarvis
Sharon Christa McAuliffe

Credits:
Schupak, A. (2015). On 29th anniversary of Challenger disaster, NASA's day of remembrance. www.cbsnews.com
Photo: Associated Press/Bruce Weaver

President Obama and the State of the Union Address

I watched the State of the Union Address last night and at the starting event made a post on Facebook that it should be comical.  I was not disappointed: it was comical.  I used to be a Democrat, but I am considering on revising that decision.  I may not head over to the Republican side, but somewhere in the middle.

The reason I found the address comical was because most of what he talked about for his next two years, he promised when he was first running for the presidency: education, middle class, economy, etc.  Yes, the economy is better.  I do have to give him credit for that; however, that has only been accomplished recently.  Gas prices have finally decreased, but the fear remains on when they will sky rocket again.  Yes, the war in the Middle East is officially over, yet, it took six years.  Almost everything he promised in 2008 has yet to be witnessed by the public.  Now, he decides to focus on those promises?

One thing that disturbed me the most in the speech was when he mentioned that this country was not divided.  Seriously?  Does he watch the news?  People are out of control killing one another.  The government cannot agree on anything.  The wealthy still get away with too much, while the rest of the population suffers.  I realize there will always be differences, especially of opinions, but we do know how to compromise, we just simply choose not too.  Why?  My thought is because we are too greedy (not individually, but as a nation).  We want what we want and that is final.  One saying comes to mind: It's my way or the highway!  Have we (as a nation) become so selfish and greedy that we cannot make rational decisions that benefit everyone?

Another thing that disturbed me was when he took credit for same-sex marriages.  The last time I looked, the Justices were the ones who decided that based upon the Constitution of the United States, which was not written by President Obama, but a group of individuals who had a dream of this nation over 200 years ago!  Not to mention the People of America are the ones who stood up and said it is time for all to be equal!  Not to have special rights, but to have a chance at the recognition of love between two people.

As far as free community college, yes, I think that is a great idea.  People will have a chance to better themselves with an education.  I am all for that!  It will be interesting to see how he will accomplish (or try to) this feat.  As it stands, there are teachers needed across the nation, which are underpaid.  I begin to wonder if the community college instructors/professors will suffer the same fate.  Like I said, it will be interesting to see what transpires.

The final thought I had with his speech last night was with ISIS (or ISO).  He wants to attack this terrorist group, which I am not against at all.  However, does this require more ground troops, another war, and more deaths among military personnel?  Our economy, faith in the system, and mentality cannot handle another crisis like a war.  I understand that if we do nothing there is the possibility of another 9/11.  Then again, if we keep the defensive and continue what we are doing (as long as the right people are doing their job), we may be fine.  Thankfully, I am not the president and do not have to make that decision.  It is definitely not an easy one.

Basically, I cannot wait for the next election to find out what the future holds.  Hopefully, we will elect a person that can do the job effectively.  One who will not make empty promises, or make our great nation dip back down into the recession or a depression again.  One who will make smart decision and work with the rest of the government.  That may be a thought that only exists in a fantasy world, but one can hope it becomes reality.

What is Happening to Earth?

I have been keeping track of events that occur all over the world for a few years now, and with each passing year, I discover an intensity I never could have imagined.  Earthquakes, mysterious "booms", sinkholes, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunami's, the list goes on.

Earthquakes:
No one is unfamiliar with earthquakes.  We have seen the destruction from the 8.9 magnitude 2011 Japan earthquake, which caused a severe tsunami.  Haiti, Chile, and Indonesia are just a few others that have had recent strong shaking.  However, I cannot help but be curious as to what is going on at home (United States).  In the past year, there have been multiple earthquakes in Lakeview, Oregon.  Each day there is at least five in that area.  Oklahoma is another concern.  Some say the Oklahoma quakes are caused from fracking.  Yes, this is definitely possible.  Do we know for sure?  We are not 100% sure.  In my mind, I view the shaking around the world, focus on the ring of fire, and this begins my thoughts to run.  In the past few years, there have been significant earthquakes in Japan, Indonesia, off the coast of Australia, South America, Mexico, Central America, and even Alaska.  On the other hand, the United States west coast has not had a significant one in years.  Is the big one coming?  I cannot answer that.  All I can do is wonder, like everyone else.  I hope it does not, because that would put many people in harms way.  I do not wish that on any person.

Mysterious Booms:
Linda Moulton Howe is a respected journalist who has won numerous awards, including an Emmy and "two dozen TV production and journalism awards"and has been recently researching this "boom" phenomena around the world.  On her website, Earthfiles.com, she lists the states that have witnesses to these "booms".  The states are: Michigan, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Idaho, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Iowa.  Michigan was the first to be reported on the news, but since then, they have been reported all over the world.  However, the news is not covering them much anymore.  Now, one may say that is not many states, considering the entire world is enormous.  True, but I am about to blow your mind.  This list only entails the United States and is only since the beginning of this year (2015)!  Actually, the list was from January 1 - 12, 2015.  Twelve days.  Thirteen States.  Many states had more than one city reporting this phenomenon.  So what's going on?  As far as we are "told", no one is sure.  Ideas are pouring around, as well as conspiracy theories and doomsday scenarios.  Unfortunately, we may never know.  Maybe someday, with advancement in technology and science, we will know.

Sinkholes:
Though we have not seen many sinkholes in the news lately, the three massive sinkholes in Russia still have my mind boggled.  Though, there are many sinkholes that have happened before then and after, and will continue.  One theory I have is that with all the ice melting, the Earth is soaking it up.  Of course, that loosens the crust (soil, dirt, etc),  That is the best solution I can come up with for now.  Maybe in time, more opportunities for solutions will present themselves.

Hurricanes and Tornadoes:
We have definitely seen an increase in these two.  First, Sandy and Katrina.  I do not think I have to talk in detail about either one, because they made headlines world wide.  Think for a second though: Think of the size of Sandy.  It covered almost the entire east coast!  Think of its path: the northern east coast!  That does not happen often.  Not to mention that was the second one within a decade.  How scary is that!
Tornadoes have increased as well.  The 2011 outbreak was heartbreaking and record-breaking at the same time.  Scientists have seen the tornado destruction path's and intensity increase.  Just this year (remember, it is only January 16) southern Georgia has had three tornadoes already!  It is not even season for those yet!  What is in store for this year?  I guess we will have to just wait and watch.

I am not afraid of the future.  I am not worried about what is to come.  The future is unavoidable, and should be revered.  Of course I am curious about the events taking place.  I just hope that the outcome is not unpleasant.  I also hope the scientists discover the reasons for the intensity of storms, and the mysteries that surround us.

* Moulton Howe, L. (2015). January 14, 2015 - 12 states have reports of mysterious, loud booms in first 12 days of January 2015. Earthfiles.com

France Situation

Forrest and I are currently watching the news about this horrible situation in France.  It makes me wonder how people could be so delusional.  I am not a religious person, but I know the difference between right and wrong.  Attacking a business, killing, and taking hostage(s) is not the right path.  I may be wrong on this assumption, since so many wrong actions are taking place.  In my heart and mind, I believe that there are alternative ways to dealing with circumstances.  I say this because one reporter said that the terrorist failed at becoming a rapper; thus, he becomes a terrorist??  In what reality does that make any sense?  The only thing I can think of is a two year old not having a toy bought that he or she wanted; therefore, throws him or her self on the floor kicking and screaming.  What has our world become?  Do not get your way so take an evil reaction.  Sad.

Hopefully, the French police will end this situation is a positive manner, but unfortunately, I do not foresee this happening.  Especially since the terrorist has already expressed to dying as a martyr.

End of Winter Vacation

We are now in 2015 and it is proving interesting, but not in bad sense.  Today is the start of school again, which I am thankful because I was beginning to become extremely bored.  I was also annoying Forrest with my talking and pacing around the house to find something to do.  The only worrisome to start this year out is finding two more lumps on K.B.  One is on the back of her neck and the other is on her belly.  We are hoping they are not cancer, but it seems like we will be taking another trip to the vet very soon.  We estimated $1200.00 was spent on her vet visits the second half of last year.  Although it was worth it, because she is still with us, it is still heavy on the pockets.  It also makes our fears come to light about her future.  We are trying to be positive, but it is difficult when she continues to grow these lumps.  She is at that age, even the vets call her a senior citizen.

On the bright side, I now have my two future courses scheduled, which are American Ethnic Literature and Creative Writing.  The first, American Ethnic Literature, requires me to buy four books!  I looked and compared the pricing on their site and Barnes and Nobles.  B&N was literally half the price!  Though, the cost for the four books was about $150.00, I did buy them and they should arrive soon, as they were shipped yesterday.  I am so pleased to be getting back into the English courses again.  The Spanish was a welcomed break from English, but I am ready to get back into it.  Also, I am half-way through my degree!

This year, I plan on writing a short story in hopes to be published, and write an article as well.  I am also determined to quit smoking and start exercising to increase my health.  Some may call these a New Year's resolution, but I am thinking of it more as bettering my health and furthering my future career!