Orange Fur: Life Lessons from Goblin, part 2

If a window opens, check out what's on the other side.

If you killed it, you won. 

If they make you look silly, glare at them until they BURN.

If you can't grow a mustache, try whiskers instead.

Keep your eyes on the sky. It's where the birds hide.

Don't blink. Blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back. 

Don't look away. And don't blink.

Good luck.

Get it before it gets you.

Once you've captured the feather, don't let go.

Always keep your head up. It shows off your fabulous neck.

If the TARDIS lands in your yard, run. 

(Towards it, preferably).

Orange Fur: Life Lessons from Goblin

Don't let anyone disturb your nap. Ever.

Stalk only the things that matter the most. 

Like feathers.

1. Find the ribbons. 

2. Get the ribbons back.

3. Leave no one alive.

4. Chew on the ribbons.

If you're desperate for a hug, you can probably find one somewhere.

Just keep it short. And don't be afraid to bite them when they won't let go.

Life is good. I am not Milton. Thank goodness.

31 Days of Planets: Earth 2.0

Day 18

Three-ish days ago, scientists announced the discovery of an Earth-sized planet in the Alpha-Centaui system- which is made up of 2 sun-like stars and one red dwarf. They call it Bb. This new Earth-sized planet is a bit too close to its star for our comfort, averaging a 1,200 degrees Celsius. Maybe we could dig tunnels and live underground? At any rate, the idea is that if there is one small planet in a solar system, there are likely more small planets. This is exciting, because the likelihood of finding a small planet in the Goldilocks zone is high - and it might support or already have life! 

The other awesome thing about this planet, is that it is only four light years away from Earth. Now granted it would take a while to get there, but astronomically speaking, it's really close. One news article used the phrase "an astronomical stone's throw" which I think is a really intriguing statement which shows the clear concept of our own, tiny concept of distance in contrast with a universe-sized concept of distance.  

Some scientists think that NASA should drop everything and go find it. I say, one step at a time people. I'm all about going to find it, but we haven't even been to the moon in ages! I think that all kinds of astronomers would like doing all sorts of things, and instead of arguing about which things to do, we should just find ways to do more - and cheaper is probably better, so it might be a good idea to start with the solar system first. Besides, for all I know, one the Voyagers will just happen to end up in the Alpha Centauri system before we know it!

Here's a picture. It's not a photograph - don't be deceived!

In conclusion, Earth is not alone in the universe. And neither are we, probably.

For more information, read this article.

Picture from all the news articles.

31 Days of Planets: Earth

Day 4: Earth

The thing about Earth is that there is SO MUCH to know about it. I mean, the same is true for other planets, but our knowledge of them is limited, while our knowledge of Earth is massive and just keeps growing and growing and growing and our evidence is here and now and right in front of our eyes all the time.

Earth resides as the third planet from the sun and the fifth densest in the solar system. Some might argue the the most special thing about Earth are the people that live on it, but I would argue that the planet itself is far more incredible than we are. Holding its position in perfect balance with the sun so that the life stowed away on ts surface can get just the right amount of light and heat; spinning at just the right speed that we don't fly off or die of spinning to slowly; proving food and water and nutrients and everything we need to live healthy and full lives - without asking anything in return. At least not out loud, with words.

It's the perfect spaceship; the perfect home. The place where we eat and drink and think and build and have our children. We might better start thinking now about our elderly mother, who has taken care of us for so long. Perhaps it is time we took back a bit more of the responsibility and began taking care of her so she doesn't rip our inheritance out from beneath us.

Or else we will be alien life forms floating dead in the vacuum of space. Like dried up worms.

Earth is beautiful.

Pictures from NASA and Wikipedia. 

What They Really Found On Mars

NASA's new social media effort, mainly the "7 Minutes of Terror," seemed to work miracles for the general public's interest in space. Based on my own Facebook wall (and my cat's Facebook wall), many, many people who aren't interested in anything that happens outside of about 10ft over their heads, began posting links to information about Mars, links to videos and information, and statuses about how cool space is and Mars is and etc, etc.

I was not surprised, however, (although a bit disappointed) when the excitement died down within 48 hours after the landing. The posts petered out. The likes and comments ceased. A week later, the news posts are even mostly gone (except for the thing with Obama).

I'm a little sad. I had hoped that combining the Curiosity's epic landing with the upcoming election would make space travel and discovery a major topic for the Presidential candidates.

It didn't.

So we're back to the same old grind, with a few new people who are excited about space, and a large number of people ready to jump on the bandwagon if anything interesting happens.

Something interesting did happen, though. Something that no one is talking about. Do you want to know what they don't tell you? Do you want to know what they really found on Mars (besides dirt)? I'll give you a hint. It was the same thing they found on the moon.

Yep. Daleks. We're all going to die. End of the world. Christmas, 2012.

Let's hope the Doctor is ready and waiting.

You Never Know What Might End Up In Your Backyard

I like to think about the universe. It's big and dark and full of mysteries. Lots of people think there can't be aliens because we haven't heard from them by now. But what if we are the oldest species in the universe? Somebody had to be first, and they say that our universe isn't very old. And who knows how old universes have to be to have babies? Or maybe we're not babies: maybe we're fleas. Either way we have to expand outwards. If we're babies, we have to grow up. If we're fleas, we have to hop to the next planet over--because that's what fleas do.

Here is a picture of an alien that I drew. It might be smart, it might not be. But I like the horn:

Whether or not aliens are real, there are some very alien-like things right next to you. For example, NASA found an arsenic-based life form out in California. Now we all know some crazy life forms live in California, but up until recently, they were all thought to be carbon-based. This has forced NASA "to redefine the quest for other life in the universe." Or how about this: they recently found a rare mineral, previously thought only to exist in moon rocks, in Australia. Other alien things include bees, dead spiders, coffee, the British, teenager's bedrooms, Obama, and pickled watermelon rinds.

As the oldest species in the universe, we should constantly be on the alert for life, intelligence, and the pursuit of alien beings. In the Milky Way alone there is the possibility of 100 billion Earth-like worlds. Imagine the possibilities--recently, a black hole shot two "cosmic bullets" from it's terrifying depths. No one knows what these are. My guess? Spaceships. Intelligent life from somewhere else in the universe: they've found a way to travel via black holes.

So watch out. You never know what might end up in your back yard.