Science vs Alternative Facts

                                                             

This post is part of Blog March 2017. This is a peaceful, but thoughtful movement that will run throughout the month of May. The purpose of this written march is to raise our voices against an administration that is hell-bent on stripping away all the hard won protection of our natural resources, air and water. The previous blog marcher before me was Max Mania on May 24 and the blog marcher following me is Pamela Means on May 26.

I don't know the girl who is holding this cool sign, but it's perfect for Blog March 2017. My post is about the fallacies on climate change that this administration is so eager to shove down our throats. Does science prove our use of outdated methods of energy brings us closer to extinction as a species? Find out after the jump.

My Love Affair with Robots

                                                                 

The very first robot I remember seeing was at Lit Brothers’ Department Store during the Christmas holiday around the year 1950. I was about four years old and Jane was almost three. My parents, the famous Fred and Lucy, had taken my sister and I to see Santa. We stood in a long line of parents and children that moved at snail speed around the different departments of the store, including the toy section.

Finally, it was my family's turn to enter the inner sanctum that held the red throne and good ole Santa. Right before we walked through the door, my gaze fell upon a very strange toy nestled in with the various sizes of baby dolls and teddy bears. It was a metal man. It had an antenna sticking out of the top of its head.

"I want that," I said to Fred. He was tugging me towards the man with the white beard, but I dug my heels into the rug and pointed at the table. "I want that," I repeated.

"Ask Santa," Fred said.

I did ask Santa for the metal man, but that Christmas morning, metal man was a no show. Fortunately, one of my cousins received a robot for his birthday that summer and I was allowed to play with it. It was a great toy, but it couldn't fly. Anthony and I figured this out after we dropped it from the second story window. Oops!

                                                                  

Robby

The year was 1956. I was taking my sister Jane and brother Michael to the  creature double feature matinee at our neighborhood theatre. The youngest, Lucy, was too little to tag along. My siblings and I had boloney sandwiches in the brown paper bags that we carried. After buying our popcorn for the food fight, we settled into our seats to watch Forbidden Planet.

                                                                

As soon as Robby the Robot came onto scene, my love affair with robots began in earnest. This robot could move and talk and fight bad people. I wanted one and so did my brother Michael, but Christmas was months away. What could we do in the meantime?

Fred had loads of cardboard boxes from the stock he bought every week for our grocery store. I'll have to admit, we kids were quite inventive. We pilfered a few rolls of aluminum foil from the stock room to cover the boxes. Wire hangers were used as our robot's antenna. Knobs were whisked away from all the bedroom furniture to make great control buttons, that is, until  mom made us put them back.

On Christmas morning, Michael got his robot, which I'm pretty sure was a duplicate of Robby, but all I got were more stupid baby dolls. My mother could not understand my fascination with robots.

Robots have become a  welcomed staple in many a science fiction film and I have loved every one of them, even the scary ones like Hector from Saturn 3.

                                                                  

I still love robots. The world of robotics is here and it's amazing what they can do now. We have Nano robots, space robots, helper robots. Check out this site for more: http://www.roboticstoday.com/  and http://www.popsci.com/tags/military-robots

We've come a long way since Robby and that's the way it should be. Robots can be used in dangerous situations, helping to keep people from harm. Can robots take over the world; take over us? I doubt it, but if we don't stop trying to blow up the planet, they might have to.

                                                                  

I've published my first book in an apocalyptic series called Roof Oasis. I've included a robot as part of the story. Her name is Patty. She starts out as a child's companion in book one. In book two, Saving Solanda, which will come out this summer, Patty is evolving; becoming self aware.

                                                                    

She's quite demanding and I have no idea what trouble she'll get into by the time book three and four are finished.

 

 

Steampunk Granny Interviews Leonardo Ramirez of the Jupiter Chronicles

                                                              

I meet the nicest people through my connections with writing, book signings, Steampunk, and ghost investigations. Leonardo Ramirez is one of those nice people. I came to know Leonardo because of an interesting kickstarter he has going on. You’ll want to learn all about this kickstarter, but first a chat with the very talented author of the Jupiter Chronicles.

Marie Gilbert: Hi Leonardo. I’m happy to have you on my blog.

Leonardo Ramirez: Hi Marie! Good to hear from you. That is so very kind of you to want to support our campaign. The way to do it though, is to simply pledge through the website which you can find here: http://bit.ly/SteampunkKickstarter. Your interview and your posts certainly help so thank you!

Marie Gilbert: How did you get involved with Steampunk? I have my oldest grandchild, Allie Gilbert, to thank for introducing me to Dorian’s Parlor and the world of Steampunk.

Leonardo Ramirez: As far as what drew me into Steampunk? I would say its untapped nature. I don't care much for following the trends that everyone else marches to the beat of (right now, I think it's zombies) but instead prefer to fill a need or a gap that needs filling and start there. While there is quite a bit of Steampunk literature available for YA there is close to nothing for kids that don't want to read a 500 page book. I love CS Lewis and loved the Chronicles of Narnia series so I wanted to write something that closely fit that audience.

 

                                                                     

Marie Gilbert: Do you feel that children, (grade 3 and up) who are so entwined with video games, would understand a world where technology is powered by steam. I ask because I’m worried that we’ve lost that inventive spirit and spark of imagination that Steampunk offers. How has the feedback been from children, parents and teachers, especially, science teachers?

 

                                                                  

Leonardo Ramirez: It's not been an easy sell, surprisingly enough. You would think that the thought of a Steampunk Children's series being pitched into Steampunk online communities would be like throwing gas onto a fire. To the contrary, it’s been very difficult to get true Steampunkers behind it possibly because it's meant for kids. There are shows that I grew up on that I would still watch with my daughter even as an adult so I'm hoping to get the project noticed by the community even if it's meant for a younger audience. I, for one, haven't stopped watching animated shows!  

 

I do agree that kids are struggling to find their voice and the spark of creativity. Parents, teachers and kids, on the other hand, have been ecstatic about the series. This past weekend I attended Geek Media Expo where I was approached by a gentleman who runs a family-friendly geek convention for kids in Memphis and has asked us to come out as a guest. I had one Science teacher of special needs kids who bought the books for her class since they were written for reluctant readers. 

 

                                                                     

I've heard it said that Steampunk is on the decline but I vehemently disagree with that. I think that what it needs is a property like Star Wars or Star Trek for fans to rally around and draw more people to it. I'm hoping that The Jupiter Chronicles can be a vehicle for that. Despite the audience it was originally written for, the universe of The Jupiter Chronicles is vast. The moons of Jupiter are each a world of their own that revolves around Jupiter and each one has their own nature apart from the others. 

 

                                                                         

That is why I want to start an animated series. With an animation studio like Magnetic Dreams behind it we can make it top-notch and with our Kickstarter campaign we can make it happen. The cast is diverse and includes a disabled primary character who uses a prosthetic claw for a hand and two steam-powered rockets that come out of his feet for flight. 

                                                         

                              

I've been writing for a long time. My first published work was a graphic novel called, Haven that was published by Markosia Enterprises. It's the story of a descendant of Dante Alighieri who is tasked to battle the nine circles of hell much like her ancestors before her. The nine circles call themselves, The Aristocracy and are embedded in our society at every level. Because that story is vast as well I felt it was necessary to release a prose novel version of it which released in 2012 and called, Haven of Dante.

 

                                                                        

Marie Gilbert: How is the Kickstarter doing and have you reached your goal?

Leonardo Ramirez: If there is one thing I'd want to share with folks considering donating to The Jupiter Chronicles it is this. The untapped potential that this has is endless. Because of the way it's set up there are years of stories to tell. It's fun and fast-paced and kids love it. It's diverse and tackles the issues of growing up in a single-parent family in the angst that befalls it's main character, Ian. There's a lot of heart that goes into this. Not just from me but from my family so I'm very grateful for the interview and for helping spread the word.

Thanks!

                                                                  

Marie Gilbert: Thank you so much for being a guest on my blog and I’m sending in my check to the Kickstarter today. If you want your children to read good science fiction, then you can give to the Kickstarter and if you want to learn more about Leonardo Ramirez, check out the sites below.

Leonardo Ramirez, Author

 

Visit Science Fiction for the Human Condition at Leonardoverse.com.

Learn more about the Steampunk Children's Series at JupiterChronicles.com.

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4225466.Leonardo_Ramirez

 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/leonardoverse

 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/jupiterchronicles

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Leonardo-Ramirez/e/B004TZGCD6/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

 

 

 

Cosmos

 

                                                                                

I’m a big fan of Neil deGrasse Tyson the world famous and respected Astrophysicist.  You can find Neil on YouTube's Star Talk and on  Fox Channel's  Cosmos. At a young age, Neil not only met with his hero Carl Sagan, but he was inspired by Sagan’s  knowledge of the universe and how it worked. Neil decided to devote his life to the sciences and we are all the better for his choice.
                                                                            

In  the recent atmosphere of science bashing, where politicians use the GOD card to trump anything scientifically accepted to be true,  I find it refreshing to watch a show that like its predecessor, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage presented by Carl Sagan on PBS, will introduce this generation to the beauty of scientific documentation. 
                                                                      

                                 Neil deGrasse Tyson, Seth MacFarland and Ann Druyan
The show was created by Ann Druyan (Sagan's widow) and Steven Soter and is directed by Brannon Braga, Bill Pope and Ann Druyan. Seth MacFarlane is one of the producers of the show who thankfully for us used his clout and money to get this show broadcasted. I can't thank you enough Mr. MacFarlane.
                                                                         

Each week, using the Ship of Imagination just like in the original show, we the viewers are brought to the far reaches to the Universe and back to glimpse at the beginning of life on earth.  Life, as we know it, began first in the oceans and then moved onto land. There are 13 episodes and if you've missed any or all of the series, you can watch these episodes on Demand.
                                                                  

I've always been a science geek and that is why I enjoy Cosmos and shows like it, but you don't have to be a scientist to understand Cosmos. Neil deGrasse Tyson, like his mentor Carl Sagan, has a gift of knowledge that he is willing to share with you in an amazing, beautiful and imaginative way. He tells us the story of the cosmos and the science behind it, in ways that everyone is able to understand. I guarantee that you will be looking at the night sky with an open mind and eyes.
                                                                      

Weird News from the Dark Side, 9/20/2013

Okay, lets get this straight! Bill Nye does know science. People and dinosaurs did not live at the same time.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/18/bill-nye-ken-ham-understand-science_n_3949228.html?ref=topbar


I've seen some very strange commercials in my life, but this one has to be right up there with WTF!






Okay, I'm on a mission to find the wackiest commercials. Here is another one.







Here are some totally worthless facts to know



Well, I hope this collection of crazy weird stuff will keep you busy until next week. Have a great weekend.

Under Glass, A Victorian Obsession

                                                                  

Calling all lovers of science! The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is hosting a free event featuring Author John Whitenight on Tuesday, October 8th at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Academy of Natural Sciences on 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

 

                                                                      

 

 

 

Spend an evening at The Academy of Natural Sciences with author John Whitenight as he explores the role that natural history played in the everyday lives of people from the 19th Century. During that era an obsession developed with the natural world which has never been surpassed. Mr. Whitenight will be sharing images and information from his book, Under Glass, A Victorian Obsession, which is a comprehensive study of the incredible array of objects that were created and presented under glass. Included will be botanical arrangements made from wax and sea shells as well as domes and cases filled with beautiful birds of every description. The focus will be on how the Victorians not only embraced natural history but included it in their home décor.

 

                                                                          

 

John Whitenight was born over 50 years ago in a small upstate Pennsylvania town. By the time he was five years old he had developed an avid interest in art. This continued into his teenage years when he decided he would explore this talent further and ultimately share it with others by pursuing an Art Education degree. Upon graduation he began his art teaching career in a senior high school where he remained for the next 30 years eventually becoming the chairperson of the department. During this period he also acquired a Masters equivalence in decorative arts-related studies in Philadelphia where he now resides.

                                                                          

Always a collector of Victoriana, one fateful day in 1973 friends gave him a small glass dome containing three canaries. The following decades have been rich with the study of the why and wherefore of these lovely domed items. Currently, the author’s collection contains over 175 domed displays ranging in height from four inches to some over a meter in height.

http://www.ansp.org/Visit/Events/Details/?eid=3610&iid=12123


I'm sending a shout out to all my Steampunk friends; this is a lecture that would interest you. To all my Facebook, Twitter and Google friends, check out the Academy of Natural Sciences' site for the listing of all their family friendly events. Tell them Steampunk Granny sent you.

News from the Dark Side 8/24/2013

 

                                                                                 

Sometimes, if I find an uplifting article, I try an share it with everyone…because we have enough crazy…we need nice, too.

My sister sent me this  time lapsed video; you need to see this.
http://www.wimp.com/stunningearth/

A little science from Huff Post Science: Sometimes bigger is not better:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/23/sheep-study-rams-big-horns-ewe-die_n_3799591.html?ir=Science&utm_campaign=082313&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Alert-science&utm_content=Title

From Huff Post: So maybe that bad boy or girl that you love so much in spite of the pain is really BAD!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/23/11-signs-dating-a-sociopath_n_3780417.html 

In the "if only" department we have this article from Huff Post. My question? Would John like how messed up the world is now?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/23/clone-john-lennon-molar-tooth_n_3799033.html?utm_hp_ref=weird-news&ir=Weird%20News

I saved this upsetting article for last. Who is this crazy as bat shit woman? And hopefully, the child has been taken away from her.
 

News from the Dark Side, 8/9/2013

                                                                 

Okay, my little zombie snacks. I love everything science: space exploration, robotics, genetics. I'm a Geek at heart. Here are some fun sites, and yes, some weird news.



http://youtu.be/lgWiaDQVn04


http://youtu.be/PcvF8tNKodQ


http://youtu.be/J1GGvq8Sr4E


http://youtu.be/v5pt_VXXA9M


Funny review of our tax code

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-august-6-2013/don-t-mess-with-taxes?



Hmm? This next video is funny, but troubling! When we restrict the least among us the chance to vote, then we deny ourselves to claim that this is a country of equality.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-5-2013/ballotproof

Dream the Possible Dream and Then Do It

                                                                           

I want you to click on and watch this entire clip. Do me and yourself a favor and watch this entire clip and then ask yourself why we are falling behind as a country. We've have forgotten to dream, to reach for the stars.


     http://youtu.be/8wDBvHipKWg

Apples to Google+ and Farewell to Good Friends

                                                                
                                                                      

                                  This weekend was somewhat bittersweet for me.

                                                                                                                           
One of my close friends and a former co-worker from when I worked at the Academy of Natural Sciences is leaving the Philly area. She’s moving to Washington D.C. where she’ll be teaching Science at an elementary school. It will be a big loss for the Academy, but what a wonderful gain for the students she’ll be teaching. Michele ran the Outreach Program, bringing science and animals to the schools of the tri-state area for many years. Here's Michele with me.

                                                                   

Here is Michele with Naomi and Anita. All four of us had worked at the Academy and Anita still volunteers there.

                                                                      
                                                      Michele, Naomi and Anita

We had a going away party for Michele, but first they wanted to see our pond and our very large goldfish.

                                       Here is my husband proudly showing off the pond
                                                                      

                              

                     I have two apple trees and this is the first apple produced.

                                                                 

Anita did the honor of slicing the apple for us. The apple was very sweet and I hope to see many more on that tree. When we ordered the two apple trees from the catalogue, we were told that apples would be popping out the first year…six years later, we've only had the one.

                                                                    

I get a lot of butterflies, native honey bees and hummingbirds in my garden. Here is a butterfly. Anyone want to take a guess on what it is? Come on, take a guess.

                                                                         
                                          I also get lots of finches at my bird feeder.

                                                                    

After dinner we had cake and gifts for Michele. I’m wishing you well in your new career.

                                                                                      

                                                                    

                    Sunday, I decided to go to the Collingswood Arts and Craft fair

                                                                                      
 with my daughter and the youngest of her desperadoes, Nathan. He was not in a good mood, can you tell?

                                                                          

                     But we did get to shop at Pat Cunningham’s Busy Beads

                                                                           

                                             and get ice cream from the Pop shop
                                                                               

And we did get to hear some great music from the band known as Foster Child.

                                                                               

But I had missed the Kelli Campbell Trio which had played on Saturday. Check them out, they are awesome.

                                                                             

Now we’ll jump to my adventures with publishing and Google. In today’s publishing world, the writer has to have a following, a persona if you like, on the internet. This means a blog, a twitter account, facebook, etc. etc. before publishing companies will even take a chance on you.

                                                                             

So, I have a blog which I try to update once a week and I have my Lilith Episodes which I post every Friday, but I also keep a daily presence on facebook

                                                                 
                                                              and twitter

                                                                    
                                   I've met some interesting and amazing people,

                                                                    
I love it, but if you want publishers to see how serious you are about writing, you should also think about Google+

                                                                                   

Now remember, I can’t walk and chew gum at the same time! I have a chance to get a story published and I was advised to build up my Google+ presence. There’s a Google+? Who knew? I’m still trying to figure out regular Google and recently someone mentioned Google Chrome. Help…I’m still looking for my lost webkin, Zeppie, on the Web. Has anyone seen him?

                                                                               

Anyway, if you do go on Google+ and you’re feeling kindly towards me, please follow me. I will appreciate this very much and will treat you to some delicious apples the next time they grow on my little apple tree.