Observation Two - Astr 30
Dr. Murray did a quick lecture on spectra and luminosity before we headed to the roof for an observation. The class was much more responsive during the lecture; this was the first time it felt like a real collaberation. Again, it was an excellent and informative short lecture.
For the observation, I made sketches and notes on the Moon, Saturn, Mars, and the Orion constellation. The lab is not due for several weeks, after spring break.
Mon. Training - Really Strong Day
On the way to the gym; I decided to try some creatine. I haven’t used it for well over a year, and it was in my glove box. Creatine is a nutrirional supplement that produces muscle growth. I stopped taking it because I wanted to see how things went without it; I always worked out very well in the past when taking creatine. I’m not sure how much of the effect was placebo; but I had a very intense workout. I started out with running. I ran the first mile at 7-9pmh, the 3/4 of the second mile at 10mph and the last 1/4 mile from 11-12mph. I then cooled down to a slow jog for a 1/4 of a mile and alternated between walking and running 10-11mph for and additional mile. I noticed it was easier for me to breath during the run, and I felt more aware too. I was surprised because I drank over the weekend, and drinking usually inhibits my work-outs. In addition. I felt like I could have ran a lot harder and further. After words, I did weights for chest and shoulder, and everything was easier too. During my work out, I noticed increased motivation, strength and endurance; however, this was an experiment to see how a small dose of creatine would effect a work-out after a long layoff of the supplement, and I will likely continue with out the supplement for a bit. I want to evoke the same inspiration on food diet only. I may try the creatine again after several weeks to see the difference.
Wed. Thurs. Training - Working up
On Wednesday and Thursday I slightely increased my pace and intensity, yet I’m still focusing on the technique. I’m still taking things easy, working back up after the flu a week and a half ago. I will turn things up more next week. I put in about 3 hours total for both days.
Dr. Manwell’s Letter
I recently received Dr. Manwell’s letter of recommendation.
Nearly two years ago, in the summer of 2006, I returned to school at a community college, LPC (Las Positas College), in Livermore. History 8 was my first class, and the instructor, Mr. Gouveia, was getting married in Hawaii, so a substitute filled in for his class the initial week. Mr. Gouveia had a large impact on my education, but so did his substitute, Dr. Philip Manwell, LPC Dean of Humanities.
Dr. Manwell began the course with a lecture on history’s place in our lives with an emphasis on the importance of reflection. I was immediately enthralled and taken by his presentation. Since then, I’ve dedicated my self to the formal acquisition of knowledge, and that day was the genesis of this direction.
Yesterday I received Dr. Manwell’s touching and motivating letter, and I’m honored to have his words in my portfolio. His letter is now in my online references section. You can view the letter here, Dr. Manwell’s Letter.
Laura’s Letter
I added another letter to my online references page, letters of recommendation. This letter is from my fall 2007 Astronomy 10 instructor, Laura Sparks. Laura’s class was very influential for me; it added a new dimension to my educational direction, opening up my eyes to the scientific process, i.e., method, thinking, and inquiry. The class also ignited a profound respect for mathematics.
In addition, during the course I had several revelations associating the universe to conceptual thinking and humanity. In fact, I will likely use one of these revelations for my presentation of The Doorway. The letter is located here, Laura’s letter.
The letter was very touching, motivating, and inspiring for me to read, and I’m very proud to have it in my portfolio. I have still have several more great and moving letters; I recently received them, and I will add them to the website in the coming days.
Potential Idea - Mythical
When I awoke in the morning, I had an idea to include a song I wrote, Mythical, in a report for class, Humanities 10. The assignment is to do a report on the similarities of a painting, piece of music, and poem, i.e., to tie them together. As a class, we viewed a painting of a young lady in a café; and this painting was in my head when I woke up today. At the time, I thought of my song Mythical and how it could be associated to the painting; this will most notably be a back story association. I will think it over before confirming a decision.
Imagery & Surfaces
Today we worked on imagery of surfaces from solar system objects. We used an image editing application called Imagej. Imagej is a nice application that allows you to analyze details in an image.
Dr. Murray is extremely knowledgeable and encourages interaction leading into the lab exercises. Unfortunately, this class is a little reluctant to get involved; however, they started coming out of their shell as Dr. Murray continued.
Once the lab started, I decided to work by myself. I through my headphones on and listened to Vivaldi while working in Imagej; it was nice.
I will complete my report for this lab in the coming days. In addition, Ms. Laura Sparks, my Astr-10 instructor provided me with a letter of recommendation after class. This letter was a nice reminder to why I do these online journals, and I will write on this in a separate entry.
Protected: Laura Sparks
Mon. Training - Getting Back
Today was my first day back into the regular training. Last week, I took it real slow to battle the flu, and it felt real good to be working back up to pace. I started by going extra light on my chest work out. I tried not to push myself to hard; I avoided doing the extra repetitions. Afterwards I ran a slow mile at 6mph. I’m hoping to get back to 8-10mph by the end of the week; however, I must take it slow and build up to it. The last thing I want is to relapse; but again, it felt great to be back into a workout.
The Country Life - Roxy Music
Yesterday, I was listening to music through last.fm, and I heard a great song by Roxy Music. I remember Nero Nava referring to Roxy Music in the past, so I sent him and email stating my interest in their sound. He replied with this.
They are one of my favorite bands. Bryan Ferry is amazing, some people are divided and prefer the first two records when ENO was in the band (playing keys, and singing back up). But even Eno’s favorite Roxy record is the one he is not on. I recommend the album “Country Life,” “Siren,” “Stranded”… “For Your Pleasure” and “ROXY MUSIC” are the ones with ENO, and they are undeniable rock classics. Some people credit them with being the first real art rock band. Salvador Dali funded there first tour.
I was going to make you a Roxy CD… remember, but I opted for “The Smiths” considering the condition of your circumstances.
I purchased the album on itunes minutes ago, and I will listen to it on the way to the coffee shop to work on The Doorway. Because of this subject’s timing, this note will also be listed on The Doorway project page.