I listen to Coast to Coast quite often as I have a late night schedule. These two shows intrigued me. One is about the future of where humanity is heading and the other is about the world of humanity's past. The following are the description of the shows from the Coast to Coast website. If you follow the links you'll find more info.
Robots & Warfare
An expert in 21st century warfare, P.W. Singer discussed military robots and robotic systems, and the ramifications of their usage. Some examples in the battlefield include unmanned spy planes such as the Predator, which sends video and infrared data to human operators, and Packbots, small mobile robots (made by the company that manufactures the Roomba) that seek out and find IED bombs.
A military experiment demonstrated that when soldiers conducted war games with robots, the teams that had robots designed with personalities did better than the teams whose robots didn't have personalities. Soldiers are starting to build bonds with their robots, and they've even taken risks to save them, Singer reported. Science-fiction has often accurately predicted changes in technology, and has served as a catalyst for robotic designers and the military, he commented.
The use of machinery to conduct our wars marks a big change in the way it's been done for the last 5,000 years, he noted. Israel's war with the Hezbollah in Lebanon was the first time that both sides used unmanned drones. Among the ethical questions Singer posed: Does robotic technology make it easier to go to war? Will soldiers controlling robots make decisions they wouldn't if they were actually at the combat site?
Fossils & Folklore
Science historian Adrienne Mayor shared her research into how pre-scientific cultures understood the fossil record, and how their interpretation formed the basis of many ancient legends. According to Mayor, fossils were easily found in the ancient Greco-Roman world due to the region's seismic activity, as well as erosion caused by thunderstorms and landslides. Mayor said the simple act of plowing a field could reveal fossilized remains, which would then be collected, measured, and put on display at a local Temple. Isolated bones from mastodons or giant rhinoceroses were often misidentified as monsters or heroes from myth, Mayor explained.
Native Americans had their own stories about creatures of legend. Mayor thinks Paleo-Indians may have encountered giants in certain areas of America. They likely lived alongside very large birds as well. As evidence, Mayor noted that a huge bird with a 15-ft wingspan, known as a Teratorn, co-existed with early humans in Africa. She also pointed to a petroglyph at Petrified Forest National Monument in Arizona that depicts a giant bird with a person in its beak.
Mayor spoke about Fifth century Greek historian Herodotus, who claimed to have been shown evidence of winged snakes in Egypt. Roman statesman Cicero also mentioned winged reptiles, she explained, as did a Medicine Man from the Crow Tribe, who told his granddaughter that he had found a flying lizard during a vision quest.
Mayor discussed giant sea creatures mentioned in the Bible and elsewhere in ancient literature (Pliny the Elder), as well as presented stories about UFOs in antiquity. In one such tale, natives in Ecuador and Peru showed Spanish explorers bones belonging to what they described as giant invaders from the sea. Mayor said the natives informed the explorers about a flash of fire from the heavens that destroyed the huge creatures and left only their charred remains behind. In an account from 74 BC, two warring armies witnessed a flaming object crash into their battlefield. The object was described as molten silver in color and shaped like a nose cone, Mayor said.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Generations Research
I was talking to my dad about generations theory. It makes sense of my experience of society, but my dad finds it suspect. Its a difficult field to study because in order to see larger patterns you'd have to carefully study multiple generations over their entire lives. The elusive aspect of generations theory is how the generations relate and whether there are largescale cyclical patterns. Nonetheless, less ambitious research has been done which shows actual differences between generatioins.
http://epubs.scu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=gcm_pubs
http://www.coe.iup.edu/ace/PAACE%20Journal%20PDF/PDF2001/Cambiano2001.pdf
Generation X
• In order to maintain a prime learning environment for Generation
X, instructors should maintain a very structured environment.
Generation X needs carefully laid out plans of what is
expected of them in the learning situation, including knowing
assignments that are due in the future, the parameters of each
lesson, and the sequential steps involved in all assignments, with
the instructor leaving nothing to interpretation.
• Adult educators need to understand that the prime learning time
for Generation X is in the evening. Flexibility in scheduling
should be considered.
Baby Boomers
• When instructing Baby Boomers, it is important to keep in mind
their preference for a physically warm learning environment.
Bringing sweaters, being able to adjust the room temperature,
and having warm coffee available would be a few considerations.
• Also, Baby Boomers have indicated that they prefer tactile learning.
This finding indicates that Baby Boomers expressed a need
for hands-on learning activities using three-dimensional and
manipulative materials, i.e., touchable and moveable materials.
Silent Generation
• The Silent Generation prefers to learn in the morning. This preference
needs to be considered while scheduling in order to tap
into the Silent Generation’s highest energy levels.
http://blog.vovici.com/vovici_blog/2008/09/age-demographic.html
In 1974, 51% of Boomers were interested in saving for retirement; at a comparable age, in 1998, 73% of X-ers were interested in saving for retirement.
Where 63% of Boomers were concerned “about understanding my own reasons for doing things”, only 27% of X-ers were in 2002, at a similar age.
In 1967, as incoming college freshman, 82% of Boomers were going to college to “develop a meaningful philosophy of life” (the number one reason); in 2003, that was the last reason for X-ers, 74% of whom said “being very well off financially” was why they were attending college.
http://agency.travelwisconsin.com/Research/MarketResearch_Active/boomerxer.shtm
Differences Between Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers and Generation X-ers
1. Generation X-ers are more likely to be single, and those singles are more likely to travel as a group. Single Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers tend to travel with a romantic partner.
2. Among Generation X-ers, men seemed more likely to be involved in making travel arrangements than in the older group. In both groups, the reservation-makers were mostly women, but the gender difference was smaller in the younger group. In both age groups, there were more men than women willing to travel without hotel reservations.
3. The younger group was more likely to use the Internet to research vacation destinations, although many in the older group did that too. Currently, both groups were equally unlikely to make reservations online.
4. At least one Empty Nester/Aging Baby Boomer focus group put great value on quiet rooms in their lodging. This was not mentioned by Generation X-ers.
5. As could be predicted, the recent and predicted changes in their travel habits had to do with children. Gen X-ers visit their parents and in-laws. Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers visit their kids. Gen X-ers who already had young children admitted that changed their destinations and activities, but didn't complain. Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers were giddy (in some cases) with freedom from long drives with squabbling children, choosing destinations that would interest kids, or worrying about leaving semi-reliable teenagers behind. Some said they took advantage of off-season discounts because they weren't tied to the school year anymore.
http://epubs.scu.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=gcm_pubs
http://www.coe.iup.edu/ace/PAACE%20Journal%20PDF/PDF2001/Cambiano2001.pdf
Generation X
• In order to maintain a prime learning environment for Generation
X, instructors should maintain a very structured environment.
Generation X needs carefully laid out plans of what is
expected of them in the learning situation, including knowing
assignments that are due in the future, the parameters of each
lesson, and the sequential steps involved in all assignments, with
the instructor leaving nothing to interpretation.
• Adult educators need to understand that the prime learning time
for Generation X is in the evening. Flexibility in scheduling
should be considered.
Baby Boomers
• When instructing Baby Boomers, it is important to keep in mind
their preference for a physically warm learning environment.
Bringing sweaters, being able to adjust the room temperature,
and having warm coffee available would be a few considerations.
• Also, Baby Boomers have indicated that they prefer tactile learning.
This finding indicates that Baby Boomers expressed a need
for hands-on learning activities using three-dimensional and
manipulative materials, i.e., touchable and moveable materials.
Silent Generation
• The Silent Generation prefers to learn in the morning. This preference
needs to be considered while scheduling in order to tap
into the Silent Generation’s highest energy levels.
http://blog.vovici.com/vovici_blog/2008/09/age-demographic.html
In 1974, 51% of Boomers were interested in saving for retirement; at a comparable age, in 1998, 73% of X-ers were interested in saving for retirement.
Where 63% of Boomers were concerned “about understanding my own reasons for doing things”, only 27% of X-ers were in 2002, at a similar age.
In 1967, as incoming college freshman, 82% of Boomers were going to college to “develop a meaningful philosophy of life” (the number one reason); in 2003, that was the last reason for X-ers, 74% of whom said “being very well off financially” was why they were attending college.
http://agency.travelwisconsin.com/Research/MarketResearch_Active/boomerxer.shtm
Differences Between Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers and Generation X-ers
1. Generation X-ers are more likely to be single, and those singles are more likely to travel as a group. Single Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers tend to travel with a romantic partner.
2. Among Generation X-ers, men seemed more likely to be involved in making travel arrangements than in the older group. In both groups, the reservation-makers were mostly women, but the gender difference was smaller in the younger group. In both age groups, there were more men than women willing to travel without hotel reservations.
3. The younger group was more likely to use the Internet to research vacation destinations, although many in the older group did that too. Currently, both groups were equally unlikely to make reservations online.
4. At least one Empty Nester/Aging Baby Boomer focus group put great value on quiet rooms in their lodging. This was not mentioned by Generation X-ers.
5. As could be predicted, the recent and predicted changes in their travel habits had to do with children. Gen X-ers visit their parents and in-laws. Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers visit their kids. Gen X-ers who already had young children admitted that changed their destinations and activities, but didn't complain. Empty Nesters/Aging Baby Boomers were giddy (in some cases) with freedom from long drives with squabbling children, choosing destinations that would interest kids, or worrying about leaving semi-reliable teenagers behind. Some said they took advantage of off-season discounts because they weren't tied to the school year anymore.
What I’ve been doing lately
I've had a bunch of stuff on my mind lately. I'm being my normal distractable self.
I was reading about the Monomyth in terms of fiction. Along with this, I've been visitng the TV Tropes site which is always enjoyable. I've been trying to refocus on fiction and I've been working on a story.
For some reason, conversations with my parents have led to the subject of generations. So, I was looking at a specific generations theory that is based on four repeating archetypes. I've read about generations quite a bit over the years, but I learned something new in some recent reading of online articles.
Generation X (of which I'm a member of on the younger end of the scale) isn't very large in number. The Boomer generation before is about twice the size and the Milennial generation after is about twice the size. Generation X hasn't had as directly a powerful influence as the Boomers. When people think of contemporary American culture they're essentially thinking of Boomer culture. And just as Generation X is just starting to move up in to positions of power, the massive Milennial generation pops up and will get all the attention.
I don't mind so much. I'm excited to see how the world will change as the Boomers retire and the Milennials become the new force that dominates American culture. I suspect there will be an explosion of technological innovation of the likes that hasn't been seen for a long time.
On another topic, I've been reading some graphic novels. I've decided to finish reading the whole Sandman series which is probably my single most favorite graphic novel. I also want to finish Doom Patrol eventually. Another favorite series is Promethea which I've read before, but would like to read again. I've started looking at some other graphic novels: The Filth, The Invisibles, and Watchmen... the latter of which has been made into a movie.
I've also been reading other books as well... ya know, the kind without pictures.
I'm reading The Hidden Passion by Caruana. It is a novelized version of the Jesus story from the Gnostic perspective. He bases it on and directly quotes from Gnostic texts. Its quite fascinating and a nice balance to my past studies of Gnosticism. It makes me want to read more of the Gnostic texts.
I've been skimming through the nonfiction book arts of Darkness Thomas S. Hibbs (the title intentionally leaves "arts" uncapitalized). Its about several of my favorite subjects: film, neo-noir, sci-fi, and Gnosticism. It covers similar territory as the works of Eric G. Wilson, but with a different emphasis. Hopefully, I'll get around to reading it in detail soon. I have the sense that it will be a book that I'll return to many times.
My friend has been reading some of the writings of Martin Luther. We've discussed it some and its interesting even though its a bit hard to understand some aspects. My friend has an interest in the idea of sin. Luther believed that we couldn't see sin in ourselves, and that it was only through God that our sin could be brought to light. Luther has a fairly black and white view in which it seems that he presents God as an absolute Other. Only utterly blind faith can save us.
I've been watching some tv shows and movies.
I just finished the movie Walk Hard. Its a very silly parody of the Jonny Cash biopic Walk the Line. I watched it before and its as funny the second time.
There are two tv series I just started watching. Pushing Daisies is somewhat original. Its about a guy who brings back the dead. It reminds me of a couple of shows. Its similar to Dead Like Me and Tru Calling. The other series I've watched a few episodes of is Fringe. Its of the paranormal investigator and political conspiracy variety first popularized with the X Files.
The only thing that annoys me about Pushing Daisies and Fringe is that both lead actors always seem like their constipated. I think its the actors' attempts to portray characters that feel troubled by life. That is only a minor complaint because the acting overall is good.
I was reading about the Monomyth in terms of fiction. Along with this, I've been visitng the TV Tropes site which is always enjoyable. I've been trying to refocus on fiction and I've been working on a story.
For some reason, conversations with my parents have led to the subject of generations. So, I was looking at a specific generations theory that is based on four repeating archetypes. I've read about generations quite a bit over the years, but I learned something new in some recent reading of online articles.
Generation X (of which I'm a member of on the younger end of the scale) isn't very large in number. The Boomer generation before is about twice the size and the Milennial generation after is about twice the size. Generation X hasn't had as directly a powerful influence as the Boomers. When people think of contemporary American culture they're essentially thinking of Boomer culture. And just as Generation X is just starting to move up in to positions of power, the massive Milennial generation pops up and will get all the attention.
I don't mind so much. I'm excited to see how the world will change as the Boomers retire and the Milennials become the new force that dominates American culture. I suspect there will be an explosion of technological innovation of the likes that hasn't been seen for a long time.
On another topic, I've been reading some graphic novels. I've decided to finish reading the whole Sandman series which is probably my single most favorite graphic novel. I also want to finish Doom Patrol eventually. Another favorite series is Promethea which I've read before, but would like to read again. I've started looking at some other graphic novels: The Filth, The Invisibles, and Watchmen... the latter of which has been made into a movie.
I've also been reading other books as well... ya know, the kind without pictures.
I'm reading The Hidden Passion by Caruana. It is a novelized version of the Jesus story from the Gnostic perspective. He bases it on and directly quotes from Gnostic texts. Its quite fascinating and a nice balance to my past studies of Gnosticism. It makes me want to read more of the Gnostic texts.
I've been skimming through the nonfiction book arts of Darkness Thomas S. Hibbs (the title intentionally leaves "arts" uncapitalized). Its about several of my favorite subjects: film, neo-noir, sci-fi, and Gnosticism. It covers similar territory as the works of Eric G. Wilson, but with a different emphasis. Hopefully, I'll get around to reading it in detail soon. I have the sense that it will be a book that I'll return to many times.
My friend has been reading some of the writings of Martin Luther. We've discussed it some and its interesting even though its a bit hard to understand some aspects. My friend has an interest in the idea of sin. Luther believed that we couldn't see sin in ourselves, and that it was only through God that our sin could be brought to light. Luther has a fairly black and white view in which it seems that he presents God as an absolute Other. Only utterly blind faith can save us.
I've been watching some tv shows and movies.
I just finished the movie Walk Hard. Its a very silly parody of the Jonny Cash biopic Walk the Line. I watched it before and its as funny the second time.
There are two tv series I just started watching. Pushing Daisies is somewhat original. Its about a guy who brings back the dead. It reminds me of a couple of shows. Its similar to Dead Like Me and Tru Calling. The other series I've watched a few episodes of is Fringe. Its of the paranormal investigator and political conspiracy variety first popularized with the X Files.
The only thing that annoys me about Pushing Daisies and Fringe is that both lead actors always seem like their constipated. I think its the actors' attempts to portray characters that feel troubled by life. That is only a minor complaint because the acting overall is good.
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