But I might actually apply. And, if Russian space officials are doing the selecting, have a chance at making it. Why might I be selected? Reasons:
I'm very intelligent (IQ ~170) (yeah, I know even thinking about this is rather dumb).
Degree in physics
9 years as a NASA contractor as a software engineer
Bit of a leader in space groups at U.S. national level (NSS, L5 Society)
High mileage runner who finished the Marine Corps Marathon in 1996. When a NASA contractor I was in top 10 NASA people (civil servant and contractor) in my age group for the Intercenter Two Mile "Fun" Runs. Yes, I'm in rather good physical condition.
Accomplished space artist (URL: http://home.earthlink.net/~chuckdivine/sfart/)
Accomplished photographer and writer
Even done some amateur acting
In short, I'm alot closer to real astronauts in ability, training and desire than the average person on the street.
Why would I do this? A few reasons:
Get attention (Boy, would it).
Get soapbox to advance both ideas about space exploration/development and what's wrong with NASA/American aerospace today (there's too much to cram into a short slashdot posting).
Frankly, have a real great thrill (e.g., I ski down low expert ski trails now).
Get some great photographs and unique story lines.
Yes, I know it could be really dangerous. But, for me, the rewards could be considerable. No, I wouldn't recommend this for most people. Read Dragonfly by Bryan Burrough for reasons.
Going up to Mir really scares me. See Dragonfly. Even applying does so. But it might be worth it.
My first/. comment. Hope I have something worthwhile to say.
Anyway, I'm a bit older than most/. participants. Also a bit sharper (look up the word polymath) and a bit more energetic (finished the Marine Corps Marathon in 1996 -- thinking of doing another marathon).
Anyway, enough of the introductions. On to the substance of the matter.
We have an increasing problem in the US with control freaks who are completely out of control. A year ago I bailed out of the aerospace industry. For the first half of the 20th century, aerospace was characterized by a government agency (NACA, look it up) that worked _with_ the independent companies building airplanes to create a vibrant aeronautical industry that took humanity from biplanes to the first commercial jet transports (e.g., Boeing 707s). Then an authoritarian regime took over in the cold war. This agency (NASA, I'm sure you've heard of it) reduced these same companies to selling various things (spacecraft, software, etc.) to NASA. While some progress has been made (the field still remains attractive), things have slowed a bit. How many of you can buy a ticket to low earth orbit, for example? My college student father could buy a ticket from Chigago to NYC back in the 30s. Like I say, things have slowed down in the aerospace field...
There is much talk in the computer industry (hardware, software, etc.) about working long hours to "get the job done." We're professionals, aren't we? Dedicated to getting that software out to serve the Customer?
A fair amount of research shows a dramatic slowing of productivity after 40 hrs/week. People get tired (even marathoners). People need to do something else (especially polymaths, but also everyone else). By 60 hrs/week, any productivity gains come to halt. By 80 hours (is this really the Microsoft standard?) you might as well be working for your competitors. Mistakes are that prevalent.
Think of it this way. Everyone has 168 hours/week (whether you are Bill Gates or a welfare mother). You need 8 hours (+ or -) (but a hell of a lot more than 2 or even 5) of sleep per day. To take care of nutrition needs, you need another 2 (perhaps more). And then there is exercise (figure approximately 90 minutes, including changing, showering, etc.)(trust me, I'm an expert). Then, unless your somebody like Bill Clinton, at least 30 minutes (more likely an hour or more) just to get from home to work. You've just spent half your time just on personal maintenance -- without doing any work or taking care of family, friends, etc. The 40 hour week (if you can still work that little) leaves you with 3-4 hours/day Monday to Friday plus Saturday and Sunday for such things as housecleaning, lovemaking, social activities, etc. The 60 hour week leaves you with about 1 hour/day six days/week (plus one "free" day) for same activities. The 80 hour week -- forget anything except work. Other figures are left as an exercise to the reader (if any).
What kind of organizations demand all their members' time? Authoritarian cults, for example. Can't have the victims being exposed to the unhealthy influences of people who haven't bought into the cult...
Enough. I'm tired (yeah, even real marathoners get tired). I also don't care if/. moderates this at -1000. More later if I've got the time.
Bye for now,
Chuck Divine
(my real name, all you Anonymous Cowards)
Slashdot Mirror
But I might actually apply. And, if Russian space officials are doing the selecting, have a chance at making it. Why might I be selected? Reasons:
In short, I'm alot closer to real astronauts in ability, training and desire than the average person on the street.
Why would I do this? A few reasons:
Yes, I know it could be really dangerous. But, for me, the rewards could be considerable. No, I wouldn't recommend this for most people. Read Dragonfly by Bryan Burrough for reasons.
Going up to Mir really scares me. See Dragonfly. Even applying does so. But it might be worth it.
Opinions? Is this completely crazy?
My first /. comment. Hope I have something worthwhile to say.
Anyway, I'm a bit older than most /. participants. Also a bit sharper (look up the word polymath) and a bit more energetic (finished the Marine Corps Marathon in 1996 -- thinking of doing another marathon).
Anyway, enough of the introductions. On to the substance of the matter.
We have an increasing problem in the US with control freaks who are completely out of control. A year ago I bailed out of the aerospace industry. For the first half of the 20th century, aerospace was characterized by a government agency (NACA, look it up) that worked _with_ the independent companies building airplanes to create a vibrant aeronautical industry that took humanity from biplanes to the first commercial jet transports (e.g., Boeing 707s). Then an authoritarian regime took over in the cold war. This agency (NASA, I'm sure you've heard of it) reduced these same companies to selling various things (spacecraft, software, etc.) to NASA. While some progress has been made (the field still remains attractive), things have slowed a bit. How many of you can buy a ticket to low earth orbit, for example? My college student father could buy a ticket from Chigago to NYC back in the 30s. Like I say, things have slowed down in the aerospace field...
There is much talk in the computer industry (hardware, software, etc.) about working long hours to "get the job done." We're professionals, aren't we? Dedicated to getting that software out to serve the Customer?
A fair amount of research shows a dramatic slowing of productivity after 40 hrs/week. People get tired (even marathoners). People need to do something else (especially polymaths, but also everyone else). By 60 hrs/week, any productivity gains come to halt. By 80 hours (is this really the Microsoft standard?) you might as well be working for your competitors. Mistakes are that prevalent.
Think of it this way. Everyone has 168 hours/week (whether you are Bill Gates or a welfare mother). You need 8 hours (+ or -) (but a hell of a lot more than 2 or even 5) of sleep per day. To take care of nutrition needs, you need another 2 (perhaps more). And then there is exercise (figure approximately 90 minutes, including changing, showering, etc.)(trust me, I'm an expert). Then, unless your somebody like Bill Clinton, at least 30 minutes (more likely an hour or more) just to get from home to work. You've just spent half your time just on personal maintenance -- without doing any work or taking care of family, friends, etc. The 40 hour week (if you can still work that little) leaves you with 3-4 hours/day Monday to Friday plus Saturday and Sunday for such things as housecleaning, lovemaking, social activities, etc. The 60 hour week leaves you with about 1 hour/day six days/week (plus one "free" day) for same activities. The 80 hour week -- forget anything except work. Other figures are left as an exercise to the reader (if any).
What kind of organizations demand all their members' time? Authoritarian cults, for example. Can't have the victims being exposed to the unhealthy influences of people who haven't bought into the cult...
Enough. I'm tired (yeah, even real marathoners get tired). I also don't care if /. moderates this at -1000. More later if I've got the time.
Bye for now,
Chuck Divine
(my real name, all you Anonymous Cowards)