Giving in to technology

I'm not talking about upgrading to a smart phone and not being more than a few minutes from technology. I'm talking about letting technology completely dictate your life. My Droid recently got the newest operating update, to what I believe is called Jellybean. One of the newer features is Google Now, which uses your behavior to predicts your needs. For example, it's synced to my calendar, so when I have an appointment it will pull up a map and traffic. When I'm walking around downtown Orlando, it will suggest places for me to eat.

So this morning, my phone buzzed me and said that it would take 55-minutes if I travel the way I normally do for work. This route is one-lane road, but the most direct path. The next path to work would take me about 20-miles out of the way. So rather than wasting time, I took the long way to work. It was actually much faster (it was a Sunday).

The whole event got me thinking about the role technology has in our lives. I am completely dependent upon technology and have no idea how people found their way or occupied themselves without it. I'm talking about phantom vibrates when the phone isn't even near me and looking for the little notification light on my phone to blink. Crazy psychological stuff. Then there are people who are completely resistant (my mom). My mom calls photocopies a rexograph.

When I go to Alaska for two weeks, I intend to unplug. I think it will be a nice change of pace. There was a time, when it use to make me grumpy. We will see.

Does anyone else feel too attached on technology?

More smoke signals

I'm trying to start a trend much like "More Cowbell," except it will be "More Smoke Signals." If you think about it, this is a very effective form of communication.

One of my tasks at work is to disseminate information. My publishing deadlines are on Saturdays, yet sometimes decisions to change performance times can happen on the hour. Enter the frustration and miscommunication that happens when you have to tell thousands of people different information.

Watching the new Pope being elected made me think about the simplicity of smoke signals. We live in a world where messages and information come through instantly, but when things are so fast paced, then again, so is the chance to make mistakes. A smoke signal is a clear message that something occurred. It's easily noticeable and many people can see it.

This is where my preposition to utilize smoke signals comes in. Obviously colored smoke would mean either one thing or another, so maybe for things like "It's a Girl" or "We will have a parade!" can use this technique.

More smoke signals!

Orlando Science Center: The Crosby Observatory

John and I decided to have a date night and visit the Orlando Science Center's Crosby Observatory for SkyWatch.

I never been to an observatory in Florida, but spend a lot of time staring at the sky when walking the pup at night. Being an Aquarius, I also have a natural fascination with the stars.

As a former OSC volunteer, I love the dedication to education the science center offers. The observatory is on the sixth floor and features a powerful, 10-inch lens refractor telescope.

Upon exiting the elevator, guests encounter a board with the rising and setting times of each of the planets and the moon. Planets come into view at night depending upon the season. Tonight, we were scheduled to see Jupiter. We were immediately greeted by a very knowledgeable OSC volunteer. (I regret not remembering his name). He took us up a spiral staircase to view the telescope. After a brief introduction, he pointed out a bright spot in the sky. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and is one of the brightest objects in the sky right now.  We peered through the lens and saw Jupiter with its red and white lines very clear. We also saw four of its moons lined perfectly. We had a very in depth conversation with the OSC volunteer. You can definitely tell how passionate he is about space.

Next we went out to the patio. Not only does it have an amazing view of Downtown Orlando's skyline, but more OSC volunteers set up smaller telescopes for additional viewing. Unfortunately, a thick set of clouds rolled in and we had to cut our trip short. I definitely want to return in the Spring to see Saturn.

I highly recommend SkyWatch to astronomy enthusiasts. It makes a great date night location and also gets points for being highly educational. Admission included access to the rest of the Science Center too. 

SkyWatch occurs on Fridays and Saturdays on the first and third weekend of the month. Weather permitting. The cost of admission after 5:00 PM is $23 for adults and $16 for youth (ages 3-11). Student discounts available. 

Watch Out, Rainbows, LSAT

It turns out that I'm the type of person who will pull over to the side of the road to take a picture. I'm also the type of person who will pull over the side of the road to write down thoughts that pop into my head.

I find this happening more frequently as I've become more cerebral. I have things I need to remember or that I'd like to use later. I started carrying around a notebook.

Today, it was raining like crazy. In Florida people suck at driving when it starts to sprinkle. So as a jerk was about to rear-end me, I looked in my mirror. I saw the angry stupid driver and also a giant rainbow. Which is when I slammed on my breaks like an Asian woman, and took a picture of the sky. I'm totally kidding about the previous statement. I really just pulled over and took these pictures. Upon arriving home, I found the rainbow over our house too.

                                    I resurrected Kimfucious (who has not been around since my college days), and came up with the saying: "Don't be so mad because it is raining, that you miss the rainbow." That would definitely be one of those positive, literally "look on the bright side" quotes. Enjoy.

I got some things coming up. I'll tell more about them when they happen. In the mean time, I continue to study for the LSAT. Seven weeks left, I've moved onto timed practice. I am glad that I started the timing prep now, because at first I totally panicked at first.

An interesting study came out this week determining that studying for the LSAT makes your brain do things, essentially making you smarter (http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2012/08/22/intense-prep-for-law-school-admissions-test-alters-brain-structure/). I completely believe this. Since I've started my hardcore studying, I feel smarter and I see things a little bit differently. I just need a few extra neuron connections and I'm all set.

Hurricane preparation from a Hurricane n00b

I've lived in Florida for about two years and Hurricane Irene is the closest possibly to becoming a Hurricane survivor. I highly doubt this storm will be 'Anderson Cooper worthy,' but it has put a bunch of Floridians and tourists on edge. Personally, I've always wanted to experience some sort of weather phenomena, excluding the daily summer monsoons here in central Florida. In fact, this summer I've re-mottoed Florida: The sunshine state, lightening capital of the world.

Being a Hurricane n00b, I've heard a variety of interesting tips from Hurricane survivors. Sadly, all the local stores ran out of the items that are considered essential for Hurricane survival, prior to me deciding that maybe I should be more prepared.

1. Fill up your bathtubs with water.  This is, apparently, so you may have a fresh supply of water, in case the plumbing goes out. It is also the only way to flush a toilet. Only one problem, we only have one tub, and there's no drain plug.
2. Buy a shotgun. Apparently, not nice people try to plunder other people's houses when there's no electricity powering a security system. It's ok, one doesn't need a shotgun when they have a ferocious German Shepherd.
3. Ensure that your trees are trimmed. Luckily, there are no really big trees near my house.
4. Buy bottled water. I'm still not a fan of plastic water bottles. Luckily, my mom is though and manages to keep a hefty supply. All the local stores are out of bottled water cases though. So I sense an apocalypse should the storm actually hit us.
5. Fill up your gas tank now so you can make an easy escape. Meh. I just don't feel that sense of urgency yet.
6. Make sure your flashlights have batteries. I don't think this house has one working flashlight. Probably a problem, but I tend to use my echolocation at night anyway.
7. Buy a weather radio. I sense my logic is flawed, when I think, why would I need a storm radio, I can just use the internet/my phone. I know, I know; I'm completely dependent upon electricity.
8. Buy non-perishable food. I would totally do that, except it was 3 for $5.00 Greek yogurt sale. Besides, all the stores are out of bread. I think, we have some chips.
9. Board up your windows.  But then you'll have to take them down. And why would you want to put holes in the drywall. Again, my sense of urgency is non-existent.
10. Stay tuned to local news for the latest updates. One thing about news in Central Florida is that they obsess over stories until it is dead (i.e Casey Anthony). It would be impossible to blatantly ignore Hurricanes when Floridians start freaking out every 10-seconds.

So that's my Hurricane preparation guide. I'm not going to abandon the fort here. I'm sure this one will miss us, mostly because it knows I have to work open to close on Thursday and all afternoon on Friday.

One of my favorite things: Empty Theme Park

This past week I've been working from 6:00 AM until 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. Why, you may ask? I'm not too sure, but I love it. As some of you may know, I'm not exactly a morning person, but I'm always glad once I actually get started. This morning I arrived at 5:30 AM to a completely empty theme park, except for one security guard and a few roaches. I took a breath and found that as absurd of a life I have, it is amazing.

I think very VERY few people have the opportunity to walk through a place alone that is empty and most importantly silent. It's a very underwhelming experience to have silence now or days. As I walk, I imagine that if there was an apocalypse, that emptiness would feel exactly like it does in that moment. Theme parks are usually filled with screaming children, music, ride noises, and every noise pollution possible, but there is a point where all that turns off and it's just a regular place of business.

Again, you may be thinking WHY 6:00 AM. There have been days when I show up, and there are people (tourists) waiting to get in, frantic that it's 5:45 AM and they do not have their tickets.  I appreciate their enthusiasm, but I also truly like that they have to wait outside until 6:00 AM - thus giving me a moment of surreal peace.

That's what it is! Peace. A moment where you can think about yourself and how you feel in the universe. Maybe that's why people like to go camping or to far off places, to feel like a single soul in the universe, rather than just another number or face in the crowd. Inner peace. Namaste.

Review: 'Turtle: The Incredible Journey'

I had the opportunity to see Turtle: The Incredible Journey today courtesy of SeaWorld marketing.  This documentary definitely delivered on the 'Incredible' part of the title.  The movie follows the perilous life of a baby loggerhead sea turtle from the moment she breaks from her egg through 21-years later. 

SeaWorld Productions partnered with Emmy Award winning director, Nick Stringer, to provide dramatic visualization and a compelling story narrated by Miranda Richardson (aka Rita Skeeter from the Harry Potter films).  True to SeaWorld's mission statement, the film dropped not-subtle messages of marine conservation.  In addition, the film has a 3-D version, which provides complete immersion into the ocean world.  Viewers find themselves holding their breath as the waves crash into the camera, but feel equally as comfortable as the variety of whales, dolphins, and fish swim through the blue abyss.

Why would anyone want to watch an 81-minute documentary about a turtle? Because you love marine life and you like a compelling story.  I'm fairly certain the crew did not follow the same turtle around for 21-years, but that is not the point. The point is to connect with the 'character' and to feel the urge to clean up trash, sign a petition, and save the one ocean that we all have in common. The story goes beyond one turtle, it's a story about all the ocean animals and the challenges they all must face by mother nature alone.  Then you add the human factor and survival is bleak.


Overall, I rate this movie as a B, as the content will not appeal to all crowds.  However, if you're going to see it, see it on the big screen.

Sometimes I think I live in the ocean

Don't get me wrong, I love the water and I would love to live in the water, but these past few days have been so rainy. Today it's been raining full force since 5 AM.  One thing I've noticed about Florida, which differs from New York or Boston, is that people get real stupid here in the rain.  I think one place canceled classes. If this were Boston, I would have no excuse to not come to class rain or shine.

Thank goodness that I've had off for two days, but work is horrible when it rains. Everyone feels the need to call and ask if the parks are open. I can only say that it rains EVERYDAY during the summer and to shut down operations just because of water would be insane. Never mind logic though. There's vacationer's logic and then there's reality.

I feel bad for Charger. She's been getting yelled at all day because she's being so rowdy.  She has not had a chance to run around outside for two days. Hopefully this weather will clear up tonight and we will be able to run her around all day.

A little existentialism

While volunteering at the Science Center today, I had a moment of rare awe. This one is kinda hard, so follow me on this. The fact that the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon are in perfect sync with each other, the perfect distance away to support life on the planet, blows my mind.

Think about it, of all the statistics, the moon rotates around the Earth generally opposite the sun. It could be different. If the moon and the sun rose and set at the same time, we would have massive tides and such. Instead, it complements each other. Another statistic, that the Earth is the perfect distance from the sun. So we don't burn up like Mercury, and aren't freezing like every other planet. You may think that oh yes, this is all common knowledge, but when you stop to think about how rare this anomaly is; it makes you appreciate life.

If each star is a solar system, and there are millions of solar systems and hundreds of galaxies, there must be other life out there. Maybe they won't look like us, because the conditions may be different, but you never know. Take a moment to soak it all in.