Category: Science

If you could go back in time and leave yourself a message, what would it be?

We have all had that dream or thought, especially when we think of all the stupid things we did as kids. Some of us wonder how we survived it.

While my book Echoes of Tomorrow deals with this prospect in a science-fictional way, we all know that time, at least at present, does not allow do-overs.

The difference between knowledge and wisdom boils down to one question:

Just because we can, should we?

We just lived through a pandemic that still has lasting effects on many. COVID was most probably an early attempt at biological warfare situated in China (and other countries) to give the United States plausible deniability.

That is most probably why there were so many Biden-era Democratic pardons, including Anthony Fauci’s. To make a virus even more dangerous through gain-of-function research is about as irresponsible as creating other weapons of mass destruction, i.e., nuclear weapons.

We will never know if the dropping of the first atomic bombs was the only way to put an end to World War II.

Through treasonous acts, several spies shared (or sold) nuclear information to the Russians, making technological adolescence a real and immediate thing.

Today we are creating AI and robots that if given weapons would make The Terminator look like Winnie the Effing Pooo!

While Echoes of Tomorrow addresses this as a theme, there is another novel I am currently editing in which mankind goes to Mars after making Earth uninhabitable. Unlike Echoes in Time, where aliens facilitate time travel, Quiet Dust is set in a future where humans have already been on Mars for over forty years. Subscribe to this blog for more info on when it drops.

There are theories suggesting that evidence of humanity will be erased over time. The reasons humanity may never make it off the planet in any meaningful way are as follows.

The Great Filter from the Fermi Paradox is the correct framing of the problem. Sagan’s technological adolescence is likely a real and significant component of that filter, perhaps the dominant one for civilizations that reach our stage. But it probably is not the only filter. The total improbability of a civilization reaching interstellar maturity is likely the product of multiple bottlenecks, with self-destruction during technological adolescence being the final and perhaps most severe.

The darkest implication is this: even if a civilization survives its adolescence, it may face recurring filters. Each new transformative technology (nuclear, AI, nanotech, or whatever comes next) reopens the vulnerability window. Adolescence may not be a single phase but a repeating pattern, each iteration more dangerous than the last. If that is true, then the two frameworks converge completely. The Great Filter is technological adolescence, experienced not once but perpetually, with the cumulative probability of survival approaching zero over sufficient time.

So, before I leave you for today, I have an idea that needs wings. It needs to get to Elon Musk, who has the means to make it happen.

This device would visit the earth once in a lifetime to remind those here not to be an idiot!

We sent two satellites, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, off into interstellar space on one-way trips to nowhere. What if, like Halley’s Comet, we created a device with a similar elongated orbit that passes by Earth every hundred years, making itself known? In that way, after we either blow the planet to bits through our hubris or our flat-out stupidity, we could send future inhabitants a message, much like we might send to our younger selves:

“Don’t do this, idiot!”

Why the future? Have you watched the news? Do you see how irresponsible the media has become and how violence seems to perpetuate into more violence?

Money for clicks and viewership for advertisements are more important than the boring truth.

Dehumanizing your political opponent will trigger the emotionally unbalanced to act, and politicians know this. Politicians are desperate and will do anything to keep power, including importing twenty million new voters. Power is money and those two are addictive, much like Felony Glitter…

I hold little hope for humanity, and I have to wonder if Elon’s vision of Mars has him thinking the same thing.

Please like, comment, and follow, as well as read Echoes of Tomorrow.

Authors like me need all the assistance we can get in order to provide more thought-provoking, entertaining novels for you, when you are not watching hypnotoad programming, designed to make you disbelieve your lying eyes.

my version of hypnotoad feeding the masses lies.

When Signals Travel One Way: Exploring HF Propagation on 7.185 MHz

Last night, after three years of not using the ham radio, I was listening to a net on 7.185 MHz.

To be clear, I enjoy rag chewing. I want to get to know people, hear their stories, and just maybe include bits and pieces of them in some future book. (I am an author.)

While I was working in the shop, the net ended, and the group decided to chase DX, or distant stations typically located in a different country.

After a CQ call and things being slow, I picked up the mic and tossed my call into the ether.

KD2DMR eventually welcomed me; they were a friendly group of folks.

To my surprise, a station in South Africa responded to me.

Jeremy in Illinois heard him, but I did not.

The first point of this post is simple: if you’re a ham, you might want to listen to 7.185 at night. They are a friendly bunch.

The second part of the post, and clearly the question I was asking myself, is this: why could I not hear this fellow in Nimbini when he heard me?

Of course I knew what the answer was but…Why not share?

Think “asymmetrical propagation.”

On HF bands like 40 meters (7.185 MHz), asymmetrical propagation is actually quite common.

Here are the likely culprits:

1. Ionospheric Conditions and Skip Zones:The ionosphere’s state changes constantly. His signal may have taken a different propagation path to reach me than my signal took to reach him. At certain times, one direction might have a clear skip path while the other does not. This is especially true for long-distance contacts, where the signal bounces off the ionosphere at different angles.

2. Polarization Mismatch:My 260-foot horizontal wire antenna radiates horizontal polarization. When HF signals bounce off the ionosphere, the polarization can shift unpredictably. His receiving antenna may have been oriented to better capture the polarization of my transmitted signal, while my antenna was not optimally positioned to receive his return signal’s polarization state after it bounced back.

3. Antenna Directivity and Takeoff Angle:My long wire antenna has directional characteristics that vary with frequency and height. At 30 feet on 40 meters, my antenna likely has a relatively high takeoff angle, which is good for medium-distance skip but may not be optimal for receiving signals coming back from South Africa at a different angle than my transmission went out.

While the long wire is a perfectly fine antenna for general-purpose communication, including DX, antennas (which to me in 1973 were simply magic) are the stuff of amateur radio’s dreams and fascinations, and they are one of the simpler things to experiment with.

If I had a Vertical antenna that I was listening on, there is a high probability I would have heard him. Many DX chasers have two antennas, one for transmitting and another for receiving for this reason. Even a simple inverted V for 40 might have made the difference.

There is even something called a beverage antenna, for receive only…If you want to maximize receive capability specifically, a Beverage antenna is legendary for HF reception. It is a long, low wire (typically 1 to 4 wavelengths long, running 6 to 10 feet high) that is highly directional and excellent at rejecting noise while capturing weak signals. Many serious DXers use Beverage antennas for receiving while transmitting on a separate antenna. *

If you are interested in such things, I would encourage you to find your local ham radio group and get your feet wet. If you are a ham, I will make a point to be listening on 7.185 and chat with them more, if they ever simply rag chew.

Best, and 73 to the hams out there.

About the Cover Picture:

When the world teeters on the brink of nuclear annihilation, a retired Air Force general is given an impossible second chance: to rewrite history. Sent back in time to 1962 by mysterious alien beings, he wakes up trapped in the body of his ten-year-old self—armed with decades of knowledge, but stripped of his power and authority. With the Cuban Missile Crisis looming, global tensions rising, and secrets hidden in the shadows of the past, he must navigate a world that sees him as a child while carrying the burden of preventing humanity’s self-destruction.

As he re-encounters his family, a young JFK, and the love of his life before they’ve even met, he discovers that saving the future isn’t just about stopping a war—it’s about proving that humanity is worth saving. Along the way, secrets buried deep in Area 51, a chilling conspiracy within the U.S. government, and the cryptic motives of the alien beings reveal the stakes are higher than he could have ever imagined.

Echoes of Tomorrow is a sweeping tale of time travel, love, loss, and redemption. With the weight of the world on his young shoulders, one man must face the ultimate question: can the future truly be changed, or is humanity destined to repeat its greatest mistakes?

This gripping journey will captivate fans of thought-provoking sci-fi, historical intrigue, and heart- through time and the fragile threads of destiny.

Get Your Copy Here

*Why It Is Called a Beverage Antenna

The Beverage antenna is named after its inventor, Harold H. Beverage, an American radio engineer who developed and patented the design on June 7, 1921.

The name is entirely unrelated to drinks; it is simply an eponym honoring the man who created it.

A Bit of History: Harold Beverage (later known by his amateur radio call sign W2BML) was working at RCA when he invented the antenna as part of his efforts to improve the reception of transatlantic radio signals.

The design quickly gained popularity for its excellent performance in long-distance communication.

One of the most impressive early implementations was built by AT&T in Houlton, Maine, for the first transatlantic telephone service.

This massive array consisted of four phased Beverage antennas, stretching three miles long and two miles wide.

Why It Remains Popular

More than a century after its invention, the Beverage antenna is still widely used by amateur radio operators, shortwave listeners, and professional monitoring stations. Its ability to deliver an extremely low noise floor and a clean directional pattern makes it unmatched for receiving weak signals on the low bands, typically 160 meters through 40 meters.

The design is elegantly simple: a long wire (often several wavelengths in length) suspended low to the ground and terminated with resistors at one or both ends. This configuration allows it to function as a traveling wave antenna, capturing signals along its length while rejecting interference from unwanted directions.

The Impact of Drug Use on Autism Rates

I don’t believe Robert F. Kennedy Jr. needs to search extensively for the cause of autism. I have been thinking much about what RFK thinks about vaccines, food and so forth. I think his concern for Autism is spot on.

This article explores the causes of the country’s falling health, Autism and birth rates.

If you have used drugs like marijuana or cocaine at parties, your child’s poor health might be a result of your actions. Read on…

Focusing solely on autism, data from the United States reveals a significant rise in diagnosed cases over the past half-century, increasing from roughly 1 in 2,000 children in the 1970s and 1980s to 1 in 36 children in 2025. This signifies a greater than 50-fold rise in the reported prevalence.

No article on Autism would be complete if we didn’t acknowledge that this rise might be because of shifts in diagnostic methodologies, heightened awareness, and enhanced reporting procedures.

So, which is it?

There is substantial evidence that prenatal drug exposure can cause a wide range of birth defects, developmental issues, and medical conditions that may significantly impair a child’s ability to grow into a fully functioning adult. These effects can be severe and long-lasting, impacting various physical, cognitive, and social development aspects. The research underscores the importance of avoiding drug use during pregnancy to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcomes for children.

General Effects of Drug Use During Pregnancy: Most drugs of abuse can easily cross the placenta, affecting fetal brain development and potentially leading to long-lasting implications.

Drug use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of birth defects, including structural malformations and behavioral alterations in offspring.

Specific Drugs and Associated Risks:

Opioids: Linked to poor fetal growth, preterm birth, stillbirth, and specific birth defects.

Cocaine: Associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, premature birth, and low birth weight.

Heroin: Linked to reduced fetal growth and low birth weight.

Alcohol: Even small amounts can negatively affect the developing fetus, leading to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Long-Term Effects: Prenatal drug exposure can lead to congenital anomalies and long-term developmental issues, potentially affecting the child’s ability to function as an adult.

If that’s not enough to convince an expectant mother to avoid recreational drugs and even something as seemingly harmless as Tylenol, what about the father, or in many cases, the sperm donor?

Recreational drug use can significantly impair both male and female fertility, making it more difficult to conceive:

Male Fertility:

Recreational drug use, including marijuana and other illicit substances, can adversely affect male reproductive health, potentially leading to subfertility and increasing the risk of infertility by up to 70%.

Specific effects on male fertility include:

Alcohol: Can decrease testosterone levels, reduce semen volume, and cause erectile dysfunction.

Marijuana: May lower testosterone levels and negatively affect semen quality, including sperm count and motility.

Cocaine: Can impair erectile function and reduce sperm concentration and motility.

Opioids: Linked to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased testosterone levels.

Methamphetamines: Can lead to erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, and cause apoptosis in germ cells, affecting sperm quality.

Female Fertility:

Substance abuse, including marijuana and alcohol, has been linked to negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes in females, including decreased fertility.

Specific effects on female fertility include:

Alcohol: Can disrupt menstrual cycles, leading to ovulatory dysfunction and difficulties conceiving.

Marijuana: May disrupt menstrual cycles and negatively impact assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

Cocaine: Associated with an increased risk of primary tubal infertility.

Opioids: Can lead to menstrual irregularities and amenorrhea, reducing the probability of conception.

Risks During Pregnancy

If conception does occur, recreational drug use during pregnancy poses significant risks to both the mother and the developing fetus:

Miscarriage and Stillbirth: The use of recreational drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.

Birth Defects and Developmental Issues: Many recreational drugs are teratogenic, meaning they can cause birth defects and developmental issues with long-lasting implications for the child.

Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight: Drug use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, which can lead to further health complications for the newborn.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Babies born to mothers who use drugs during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, known as Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Fetal Growth Restriction: Exposure to drugs in utero can lead to poor fetal growth, resulting in babies being small for their gestational age.

Neurological and Behavioral Consequences: Prenatal exposure to drugs can lead to permanent neurological, developmental, and behavioral issues, manifesting as learning disabilities, attention deficits, and other cognitive impairments.

Long-Term Effects on Child Development

The impact of parental drug use extends beyond pregnancy and can have long-lasting effects on child development:

Physical Health: Children of parents who misuse substances may experience inadequate physical development, including stunted growth due to malnutrition in extreme cases.

Psychological and Emotional Effects: These children are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression due to the instability in their home environment.

Cognitive and Academic Challenges: Children of substance-abusing parents may show cognitive deficits that impact their academic performance.

Social and Behavioral Issues: These children may experience neglect and abuse, leading to behavioral problems and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.

Health Problems: Stress-related health problems are prevalent among these children, including conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, migraines, or asthma.

Risk of Substance Use: There is a heightened risk that these children will develop substance use disorders themselves.

Expert Opinions

Healthcare organizations and professionals emphasize the risks associated with substance use and having children:

The NSPCC highlights that problematic substance use can lead to chaotic lifestyles that may harm children.

The Perinatal Addictions Prevention Project (PAPP) focuses on educating professionals and consumers about substance use during reproductive years, pregnancy, and postpartum, emphasizing prevention and risk reduction.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) notes that substance misuse can lead to increased criminal activity, domestic abuse, and significant mental and physical health problems.

What about Paternal drug users? If only the sperm donor uses drugs for whatever reason and the mom to be is ok with him being the father, is that ok?

The survey says… No.

There is strong evidence that paternal drug use can cause DNA damage, chromosomal abnormalities, and epigenetic changes in sperm, which may increase the likelihood of birth defects and developmental issues in offspring. The specific risks depend on the type of drug, the extent and timing of use, and other mitigating factors. While not all paternal drug use results in adverse outcomes, the potential for harm underscores the importance of addressing substance use in prospective fathers to minimize risks to offspring. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and long-term implications of paternal drug use on child health and development.

Drug use, particularly substances like cocaine, opiates, alcohol, and nicotine, has been shown to cause significant DNA damage in sperm. This damage is often mediated by oxidative stress, which leads to DNA fragmentation and chromosomal abnormalities

For example, cocaine use has been linked to reduced sperm count, motility, and vitality, as well as increased DNA fragmentation. These changes can impair the genetic integrity of sperm and increase the risk of transmitting genetic abnormalities to offspring

Drug use can also induce epigenetic modifications in sperm, such as changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications. These changes do not alter the DNA sequence but can affect gene expression in the offspring, potentially leading to developmental issues or predispositions to certain conditions

Non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs, are another mechanism through which drug-induced epigenetic changes can be transmitted to offspring, influencing their development and health.

Certain drugs, such as chemotherapy agents and heavy alcohol use, have been associated with chromosomal damage in sperm. This can lead to aneuploidy (abnormal number of chromosomes) or structural chromosomal abnormalities, which are known causes of birth defects and developmental disorders.

Congenital Anomalies:

Paternal drug use has been associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies, such as heart defects, neural tube defects, and genital malformations. For example, paternal use of metformin has been linked to genital birth defects in male offspring.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders:

Drugs like valproate and cocaine have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disabilities, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Behavioral and Cognitive Issues:

Paternal cocaine use has been shown to increase the risk of learning disabilities, memory loss, and conduct disorders in offspring. These effects are thought to result from drug-induced genetic and epigenetic changes in sperm.

Addiction Vulnerability:

Animal studies suggest that paternal drug use can increase the offspring’s susceptibility to addiction. For example, paternal cocaine use has been linked to changes in genes affecting synaptic connections, which may predispose offspring to substance use disorders.

Cryptorchidism and Other Specific Defects:

Paternal use of certain drugs, such as finasteride, has been associated with cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) in male offspring.

Type of Drug:

Some drugs, such as cocaine, opiates, and alcohol, have stronger evidence linking them to DNA damage and birth defects compared to others, such as certain neurological medications, which show weak or null associations.

Extent of Use:

Chronic and heavy drug use is more likely to cause significant damage to sperm DNA and increase the risk of transmitting genetic abnormalities to offspring.

Timing of Drug Use:

The period of sperm development (approximately 74 days) is critical. Drug use during this time can affect the quality and genetic integrity of sperm.

Mitigating Factors:

Some effects of drug use on sperm may be reversible with cessation of use and lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and antioxidant supplementation, which can reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality.

RFK’s community awakening is clearly needed, which is supported by substantial evidence.

Recreational drug use can severely harm a child, impacting everything from conception to development. For optimal reproductive health and child well-being, those planning a family should avoid recreational drugs.

Truly, we are up against addiction. It isn’t just an addiction of recreational chemistry but the chemistry in your brain. If you’re still reading, you are my people; here is more fodder for you.

With drugs, smoking or even sex here is what happens:

1. Activation of the Brain’s Reward System

The brain’s reward system plays a central role in drug-induced highs. This system includes structures such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and the prefrontal cortex.

When drugs are consumed, they trigger an artificial and often intense activation of this reward system, which is responsible for processing pleasurable experiences and reinforcing behaviors.

2. Dopamine Surge

One of the most significant effects of drug use is a surge in dopamine levels:

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter in the brain’s reward system, associated with pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement.

When drugs are consumed, they often lead to a much larger increase in dopamine levels compared to natural rewards like food or social interactions.

This intense dopamine release creates the sensation of a “high,” which is a powerful motivator for repeated drug use.

3. Neurotransmitter Disruption

Different drugs affect various neurotransmitter systems in the brain:

Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines):

Increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels by blocking their reuptake.

This leads to heightened alertness, euphoria, and increased energy.

Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines):

Enhance the effects of GABA, the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.

This results in relaxation, reduced anxiety, and sedation.

Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, psilocybin):

Primarily affect serotonin receptors, altering perception and mood.

This leads to changes in consciousness and potential hallucinations.

4. Altered Brain Activity

Neuroimaging studies have revealed significant changes in brain activity during drug intoxication:

There’s often lower glucose metabolism in the frontal cortex during the use of substances like cocaine, morphine, or alcohol.

The binge/intoxication stage is characterized by heightened activity in the ventral striatum, a key region in reward processing.

5. Short-Term Effects on Cognition and Behavior

Drug-induced highs can lead to immediate changes in cognitive function and behavior:

Altered consciousness, euphoria, and impaired judgment are common short-term effects.

Changes in coordination, mood, and perception can occur, varying based on the type of drug used.

6. Neuroadaptations

Even short-term drug use can begin to induce neuroadaptations in the brain:

The brain may start to adapt to the presence of the drug, leading to tolerance (needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect).

These adaptations can persist, contributing to the risk of addiction and relapse.

7. Activation of Memory and Learning Circuits

During a drug-induced high, the brain’s memory and learning circuits are also activated:

This creates strong associations between the drug use, the environment, and the pleasurable experience.

These associations can trigger intense cravings when exposed to drug-related cues, even after long periods of abstinence.

But what about other things that are addictive, like adrenaline?

The effects on the brain during sex, eating a favorite food like chocolate, or engaging in thrill-seeking behaviors such as speeding while driving are all related to the activation of the brain’s reward system, but with some distinct differences. Let’s explore each activity and its neurological impact:

1. Sexual Activity

Sexual activity has a profound impact on the brain, triggering a complex interplay of neurological processes:

Hormonal Release: During sexual activity, the brain releases a cocktail of hormones and neurotransmitters, including:

Dopamine: Produced by the hypothalamus, contributing to feelings of pleasure and euphoria.

Oxytocin: Often called the “cuddle hormone,” released in large quantities during sex, promoting bonding and relaxation.

Norepinephrine: Contributes to arousal and excitement.

Brain Region Activation: Sexual stimulation and satisfaction increase activity in various brain networks, including:

Prefrontal cortex, Orbitofrontal cortex, Insula, Cingulate gyrus, Cerebellum

These regions are involved in processing emotions, sensations, and decision-making.

Mood and Stress Effects: Sexual activity is associated with improved mood and reduced stress levels due to the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which can lead to a calming effect and pain relief.

Cognitive Benefits: Regular sexual activity may improve cognitive function, particularly in older adults, enhancing memory performance, verbal fluency, and visuospatial ability.

2. Eating Highly Palatable Foods (e.g., Chocolate)

Consuming highly palatable foods like chocolate also activates the brain’s reward system, but through different mechanisms:

Reward System Activation: The mesolimbic dopamine pathway, including the nucleus accumbens, is activated by the sensory properties of chocolate, such as its taste and smell.

Dopamine Release: Eating chocolate leads to the release of dopamine, contributing to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

Cognitive Effects: Dark chocolate, rich in flavanols, may have cognitive benefits:

Improved memory and reaction times in young adults.

Enhanced memory performance in older adults with long-term consumption of high-flavanol cocoa.

Mood Enhancement: Chocolate consumption is associated with mood improvement, possibly due to its ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation. It can lead to the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.

Craving and Reward Processing: Chocolate cues can elicit specific neural responses in regions associated with reward and craving, as shown by fMRI and ERP studies.

3. Thrill-Seeking Behaviors (e.g., Speeding While Driving)

Engaging in thrill-seeking behaviors like speeding activates the brain’s reward system in a unique way:

Dopaminergic System Activation: Thrill-seeking is associated with heightened response to dopamine, which can lead to increased risk-taking behaviors.

Risk and Reward Processing: The nucleus accumbens is activated during thrill-seeking activities, processing the rewards associated with the risky behavior.

Emotional and Cognitive Factors: Thrill-seeking can be influenced by emotional states like stress or anger, which can alter cognitive processing and lead to impaired decision-making.

Adrenaline Release: Speeding can lead to the release of adrenaline, contributing to feelings of exhilaration and excitement.

Prefrontal Cortex Engagement: Thrill-seeking behaviors uniquely engage the prefrontal cortex more extensively due to the need for risk assessment and decision-making.

Comparison and Synthesis

While all three activities activate the brain’s reward system, they do so in different ways:

Sexual activity provides a more holistic activation involving emotional bonding, stress relief, and potential cognitive benefits.

Eating chocolate focuses more on sensory pleasure and potential mood enhancement, with some cognitive benefits from certain types of chocolate.

Speeding engages the reward system through risk and excitement, involving more cognitive processing related to decision-making and risk assessment.

Each activity involves dopamine release, but the context and intensity vary. Sexual activity and chocolate consumption are generally associated with more positive long-term effects, while thrill-seeking behaviors like speeding carry significant risks and potential negative long-term consequences on brain function and overall health.

I added that last part for those who might judge drug users; believe me, we all have our own ingrained addictions. Maybe you are more responsible and understand that drug use will to quote Bruno Mars, ‘funk you up.’

One wonders what the middle ground might be? How does RFK and his team MAHA?

I would encourage him to enlist the services of experts in the field of mental health. Not only do we have an unhealthy diet, but we have a mental health crises that borders on hedonism with half the country acting like spoiled brats.

How do you fix spoiled brats?

Dad’s home; hand over the remote, and go to your room until you can behave yourself.

If only it were that simple.

If it were me, I would enlist the Franklin Grahams of the world. Education, while necessary, can only go so far. Morality seems to be a large part of the problem, and we need to attack these issues on multiple fronts. We need to dig into cultural history and backtrack to see where we went askew of common sense. -Best

Feel Free to share this post, re-blog, etc. This was a lot of work and research on my part.

Mars, our past, or our future?

Full transparency: I am a sci-fi author.
If we delve into Newtonian physics, 95% of you will likely navigate away from this page…so let’s avoid that.
My argument is simple, Mars is both.
What?
Yeah, here is the kicker, scientists are well aware of this fact, yet they continue to feign ignorance. Is it possible that the motivation behind Climate Change initiatives is driven by the potential financial gain?
Similar to how the hydrocarbons in freon remain close to the ground, climate change is unlikely to result in our catastrophic demise.
If you want a glimpse of what the Earth will become in a few million years, just look at Mars.
Billions of years ago, Mars resembled the Earth in its current state. Huh?

The sun, in a relentless display of power, consumes a mind-boggling 4.3 million tons of fuel per second. For those who don’t see the big picture, the sun, that glowing orb in the sky, consumes a staggering 371.52 billion tons of fuel every 24 hours.
Over billions of years, the sun has been steadily losing mass, either through fission or the cosmic wind.
Our little blue dot, like all the celestial bodies in our solar system, is inexorably drawn towards the sun, its gravitational force exerting a powerful pull. But wait, as we soar through space at a staggering velocity of 67,000 miles per hour we are in orbit.
Why are these details important?
Similar to those who reject the concept of evolution, their narrow perspective limits their ability to comprehend a timeline spanning millions of years. No, it’s not just a belief or opinion, it’s supported by scientific evidence and facts.
About 430 million years ago, the scorpion is thought to have been the first creature to crawl out of the ooze and start breathing oxygen. Fun fact.
Around 4.3 billion years ago, the Earth and Mars were likely much closer to the scorching heat of the sun.
Why?
Back then, the sun was much bigger and had a stronger gravitational pull.
Two things are happening today that people aren’t aware of.
In addition to the sun losing mass daily, the earth is also experiencing a gradual decrease in its own mass.
What?
Have you seen the news blurb or clickbait telling you the moon is pulling further away from the Earth? Why would that be?
It is true that the Earth’s mass decreases by roughly 96,616 tons each day. There are two main mechanisms responsible for this loss:
Each day, approximately 95,000 tons of hydrogen and 1,600 tons of helium evaporate into the void, escaping from the Earth’s atmosphere.
According to Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2, the Earth’s core converts mass into energy, causing the Earth to lose approximately 16 tons of mass daily.
Part of that loss is water.
Approximately 25,920 liters of water evaporate into space from Earth each day. This figure is based on research that measures the release of water vapor from the atmosphere, specifically examining the evaporation of hydrogen and oxygen within water molecules.
Throughout Earth’s existence, approximately 25% of its initial water has been lost, equating to a substantial depletion of roughly 42,000 cubic kilometers. The loss is mainly caused by hydrogen escaping into space, as the water vapor in the atmosphere can decompose under specific conditions, leading to the release of these elements.
Now, my friends, take a look at Mars today and marvel at its vibrant red hue. What happened to the water that was once here?
Now comes the pandering part, where I try to win you over. My book Earth’s Last Hope takes you there in story format.
Being a science fiction writer fills me with a sense of pride as I have the opportunity to create unique and thought-provoking stories. Remember to distinguish between short-term weather patterns and the long-term effects of climate change. Climate change isn’t solely caused by human activity; natural factors like the Sun’s eleven-year cycle of pole reversal also play a significant role.
-Best

ANYCUBIC and other 3D printers

As an author, I must keep my mind busy when not engrossed in an alternate world. This often means diving into research or brainstorming new plot twists.

People frequently accuse me of having an excessive amount of hobbies.

In my free time, I immerse myself in a multitude of hobbies.

Writing, reading, painting, hiking, golfing, traveling, fishing, and even howling at the moon. Ok, not howling exactly, but the night sky calls to me, and through astronomy, I unravel the mysteries of the universe, awestruck by its vastness. In addition to that list, I would include computers, as I delight in exploring and experimenting with various operating systems and applications.

One might wonder how I have time for this list of activities.

I don’t watch television. With all the garbage and propaganda that comes with that contagion, I just assume not to have one. I attempt to spend very little time on social media as it is a contagion that fills society with false flags, indoctrinating our young and old with non-sequitur ideas. Some of the filth that makes its way through those mediums is downright evil. I don’t waste any time playing video games as that is a total waste of energy. Instead of playing by their rules, I live in my world.

3D printing has become a fun activity. As an engineer, thinking about some ‘thing,’ designing said thing, and, much like a Star Trek replicator, creating it with our technology is fun.

3D printing challenges one to think; we have too little thinking in this world today, so I applaud it.

I started with the legacy Ender product. If you can print with that printer, you are qualified to use other, more advanced printers.

In this article, I want to talk about ANYCUBIC.

I purchased an Anycubic Mega Pro. That printer was an upgrade from the ender product with a built-in auto bed leveling routine.

I will get straight to the cons. Every cooling fan on that thing is absolute junk. Why in the devil would they skimp on cheap fans with zero bearings? That is beyond me.

If you allow it to ‘warm up,’ the noise eventually abates, but that is a black eye for the brand.

While looking at upgrades, I purchased another ANYCUBIC product, the Viper.

Quieter product, a little faster, and the auto bed level works well.

I have had it for less than a year. I print something occasionally, definitely not every day or week. During my last print, I noticed a loud clicking noise. Upon thorough examination, we discovered that the Y-axis tensioner had a defective bearing.

Watch Out For Crap Like This.

From the early 70’s I was tinkering with electronics. While my peers were playing ball or getting their hearts broken, I was getting shocked and talking to people all over the world.

Peering through the back of a radio or perhaps the TV, one would see all these glowing amber lights. Soon after my fascination with the front of the radiant dial on the old floor model radio piqued, I wanted to know how it worked.

Garage sales and discarded appliances became a source of amusement for me. Boxes of small parts from different devices soon lived in the closet, under my bed, and soon I had to pare down the collection. A borrowed receiver, some junk box parts, and a crystal as were the rules back then, I was on the air as a newly minted Novice Amateur Radio Operator. The glowing 6AQ5 tube was the final for a whopping 7 watts unmodulated Carrier wave controlled by the steady fist of what they used to call ‘brass pounders.’

Today, 47 years after the date, I still remember Morse code, but I must confess I have not pounded a key in eons.

Tubes gave way to transistors, which soon turned into integrated circuits. Now we have software-defined radio that minimalizes the power usage and, of course, exaggerates the complications if you need to troubleshoot it.

Time marches on.

A man once stipulated that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and the same is true of the law of accelerated return of advancement regarding technology.

Most teenagers today have more technology in their back pocket or on their wrist than we used to send a man to the moon. What they do with it remains to be seen but, the possibility of great things is within their grasp.

Licensing for the Amateur Radio Service is nothing like it was. One could argue that nobody builds anything anymore, so it does not need to be as difficult as it was back in 1973.

I still tinker, albeit minimally and mostly with antenna design and theory. All that said to get to the point of this blog.

When I purchased this switch box online, I knew what to expect. Never in a million years would I push any wattage through this thing.

When I wiggled the wires a number of them came lose of their own accord, cold solder joints. — Here is the inside of the box. Wow.

In my office resides a desk, with several different apparatuses on it. From state of the art to antique, I still listen to and ‘mess’ with them on occasion. You see I always appreciate the glow from the dial light of old shortwave radios. I wanted a way to control the RF from my antenna to the different devices without messing with cables.

The name of this device is miss-leading, and I am confident if put to the test, they would call it a ‘name’ and say they never meant it to handle 1000 watts. With the wording CB in the advertisement, they could argue the illegality of using more than 12 watts PEP ergo ‘what were you doing with this thing?’

A smart person could take them to task, in that this thing would perform miserably at 27mhz.

Whoever designed it had a handle on DC but not AC. The integrity of the 50 ohms impedance is violated, making this a horrible device even for switching between receivers. Again I knew what to expect when I spent the $20. Why then did I buy it?

Real coaxial switches have the same essential components, they are just well thought out. If you look at the contact on the switch, you can tell that any kind of wattage would burn the connections and or arc over to the next. In its original construction, I would not even use it for low wattage use.

Below you can see how I modified it with coax and common grounds. One last modification is to add a ground lug to it, so I can ground the box to earth ground.

Enjoy your hobbies, and be very wary of crap from the Far East. While it is all made there, ‘for the most part,’ some companies have a reputation at stake, while some just want to sell cheap junk.

In its original form, it was just that, junk.

-Best

Scott

Are we cooking ourselves? Here is some food for thought.

As a technology minded person, I often wondered about those who design cordless devices. In particular, I am addressing phones. I assume some government agency somewhere spent millions of your tax dollars to come up with what someone thinks are safe levels of radiation.

Maybe these people know more than the rest of us, or maybe they don’t.

Case in point.

The standard cordless phone in 2017 most probably transmits to the base either at 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz. While your phone may advertise the higher frequency of 5.4 GHz that is most probably from the base to the phone.

Split frequency designs like this are prudent as it takes more power to transmit higher frequencies.

Now, these cell phones that we all carry around transmit either in the 850 MHz range or 1.8 ~1.9 GHz range.

MHz (Mega Hertz) stands for millions of cycles per second, GHz is (Giga Hertz) or billions of cycles per second. So every second depending upon the frequency, the RF (radio frequency) cycles millions or billions of time. IE 2.4 GHz is 2 billion, four hundred million, cycles per second.

Frequency should not be confused or conflated with power.

Power for our conversation today is watts. How much power or how many watts of RF (radio frequency) are we talking about?

Cell phones transmit up to 1.7 watts of power.

Cordless phones transmit as much and possibly more than a cell phone. The interesting aspect of this is there is this DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology that has been around for a little while now. They sell it as a plus but European studies have shown this might be more hazardous to your health than its predecessor.

The base of this technology is transmitting full power all the time whether your phone is in use or not. If the base is next to your bed or on your desk you are constantly bombarded with 5.4 GHz or at the least 2.4 GHz of radiated power in the form of RF.

Move it away from your body.

Why am I writing about this?

Ever since the first cell phones came out I wondered what they were doing and why. These phones are always talking to the cell towers announcing their availability and telling them where they are while checking in. The phone was and is smart enough to adjust its power level depending upon what is needed to communicate with the tower effectively. The reasons are many but the main idea is to “talk” with one cell tower at a time.

My phone, even today will often time be warm in my pocket, or just sitting on the desk.

While we really have no idea what a smartphone is doing all the time, you can bet if it is warm, it is transmitting something.

I built this little device with a few diodes. I will not belabor the technical aspects of this device other than to say it does not have any batteries. These devices are passive in that the only way that they are energized would be by outside energy fields or EM (electromagnetic) forces.

I got the idea from the crystal radio of my youth. Yes, I built one and housed it inside a pen casing. With a single diode and a coil and very little know how I had a radio that would pick up local radio stations and never needed a battery.

Since my original device that I designed and built years ago, I found this version on the internet for a few dollars.

Setting this thing on top of my phone it soon became obvious that the cell phone is transmitting constantly.

Is it looking for data?
Is the phone talking to the tower?
Is the phone talking to my Wi-Fi network?

The answer is yes. We really have no idea if the phone is doing anything else in the (tin foil hat category).

Now with 1.7 watts of RF at 2GHz, give or take, right next to your ear hole, one has to wonder if that is healthy.

Out of curiosity, I moved my device around the phone to discover that the most of the radiation or highest amounts come out of the phone right by the earpiece. Why?

Knowing RF and the possible link to brain tumors, lymphoma and other nasty things why would the engineers put the transmitting antenna where it would be closest to your head?

This is the iPhone 6S.

My curiosity got the best of me so I checked my cordless phones.

The light powered strictly by RF from the phone is very bright, right on the ear hole and down by the mouthpiece, the light, or power output is nonexistent.

Imagine that your phone has enough RF power to illuminate an LED to full intensity and that energy is being pumped into your head right through your ear hole and of course next to your skull.

Tell me; why in the hell would you not put the antenna at the base of the phone where it would be furthest away from the body/brain? The energy required to light the led dissipates with distance. Logic would dictate that the less energy radiated close to your brain would be a good thing.

The pictures speak for themselves but now you know what you are looking at.

What can we do?

First off, we should ask the government for our money back that they paid for these studies. One would think that if they can come up with SAR (specific absorption rate) and what is safe that just maybe they might have said, “you know, you phone makers should place the transmitter/antenna away from their brains.”

It is kind of like that commercial where the bank is being robbed and the guard says, “Oh I am not a guard, just a monitor… you are being robbed.” What good is the FCC if they cannot think outside the box? The government, which they are part of, is to protect its citizens from faulty designs, much like the Corvair of the 60’s. Where is Ralph Nader these days?

It is amazing to me that they did scientific studies to figure out how much tissue would cook or be damaged by rf. Then they came up with the acronym SAR and finally did nothing more about it. “Look for a phone with a low SAR rating.” Are there labels, using this phone can cause brain cancer?”

What is so germane about 2.4 GHz and why am I sounding a little stressed about this?

That box in your kitchen that burns popcorn so nicely happens to work in that same frequency range.

Since there are millions of microwave ovens out there the FCC put broadband Wi-Fi, cordless phones, and many other unlicensed transmitters that the public uses in that same frequency range as the microwave oven. Part of your license on each piece of equipment reads something to the effect that this device must accept and deal with RFI or radiofrequency interference.

How does the microwave oven work and what does that have to do with my phone?

Microwave energy excites the molecules in stuff causing them to move faster. Much like rubbing your hands together you get friction which causes heat. That is how a microwave heats your lean cuisine dinner or left-overs from Sunday Brunch. Yes it uses more power but I ask you, would you stick your head in your microwave to see how long it takes to fry your brains? Consider the cell phone or cordless phone like a microwave crock pot, it might take longer but eventually, something is bound to be heated up.

Just for you people who think that I am a tin foil hat kind of person think of this one.

How many of our urchins you call grade schoolers now have the very latest iPhone sticking out of the back pocket. A trip to any mall will answer this question. Even if it is a hand me down generation 5, it puts out all sorts of power right next to that thinner more malleable skull and younger more tender, still forming brain tissue.

Then there is this whole blood brain barrier thing that doctors talk about. Does it really seem like a wise idea to put that kind of power that close to those newly formed brain cells? They are future tax payers you know. Wink wink…

Possibly one of them will say, “someone should really put the transmitter in the base of this thing away from my brain.” Will it take a child to figure this out? Maybe a riot on the Berkly campus to get the attention of corporate america who might tend to overlook such things.

I know, I am gettin my tin foil out…

With telecommunications being a multi-trillion dollar industry it is no wonder that this is overlooked. Much like the back scatter x-ray porn scanners at the airport which virtually strip search you, there is a greater good. Bombarding our bodies with ionizing radiation is not harmful as long as the government says that it is ok. (sarcasm)

Calling attention to it might cost Nokia or Apple or Panasonic a few dollars. What is the big deal about a few brain tumors, “can you hear me now?”

Since industry will probably not respond, how can you protect yourself?

Blue Tooth technology also uses RF in the same 2.4 GHz range but the power is very low. A class one transmitter uses about 1mw or Millie Watt. There is a newer headset that wraps around your neck with the earpiece extending from them. That would put the blue tooth transceiver around your neck away from your brain.

Try to always use a headset or speakerphone, and if they still have them, a corded phone.

Use e-mail or text and by all means try talking to people face to face. I know that is a radical concept but, I don’t think you are in danger of getting exposed to radiation that way.

About the device…

While the original crystal radio of my day used a 1N34 germanium diode this device uses nine 1SS86 diodes one tied to the other with an LED as one of the diodes. The legs are purposefully left long like that as they act as the antenna to capture any energy that might be present.

If you are creative you could make it look like a bug with a tail and a head that glowed. Just a thought.

I am not claiming to be an expert on any of this. Just a person who thinks common sense is in limited supply. These days we too readily accept that which is, without asking why. Ask Why!

Cheers!

Scott

Pioneer deceleration problem, My take. #space #time

In 1992, we launched Pioneer 10, which is leaving the solar system. As it reaches further away from the sun, it has begun to decelerate.

Scientists believe to have discovered the solution. They are proposing that particles leaving the spacecraft as heat are pushing against the forward momentum of the craft slowing it.

“I beg to differ.”

Using the good old formula F=MA, that simply does not seem to add up.

I read about this anomaly years ago and have noodled the issue for, well years.

Time is not a constant.

We here on earth think of time as purely a linear progression that we measure with clocks, watches, and calendars.

For years we have all seen the model of the solar system on a green grid with the sun, planets and other bodies all warping the fabric of space as they “fall” in their respective orbits.

Picture the solar system not on a horizontal plane but inside a bubble. Maybe it is an oblong bubble and not a perfect sphere but a bubble never the less.

Now picture the other things inside that solar system in their respective bubbles, each creating a bubble that is respective of its mass.

That bubble is warped space. Its intensity of warpage is directly proportional to the amount of gravity.

When we see these huge storms on the sun that go on for days, or the Magellanic Clouds that seem to be frozen in time, this is our first clue that time is not a constant.

If we could build a craft that could tolerate the heat of the sun and orbit it much closer to the sun, I also suspect that the storms on the sun would happen at an accelerated rate. That craft would be in a different “local time.”

1dbd_flux_capacitor_car_charger — Pick this handy little gadget up at Think Geek!

Much like traveling through the country we pass time zones and date zones. If you hopped in your faster than lightspeed spaceship with your version of the flux capacitor and left to see the Horsehead Nebula, when you got there, it would not be there.

Leaving your “local time” heading outside of the solar system would put you into another time zone. Instead of being based on some ancient 60 seconds to the minute, the next “bubble might be 75 seconds to the minute.”

Traveling between the Bubbles in that area of empty space, where gravity does not play a role might very well find you traversing the distance in “no time,” as there is nothing there to create the bubble!

Pioneer 10 and 11 are slowing because they are reaching the end of this bubble and entering into another local time. Once outside the bubble of the Milky Way, I suspect it will speed up significantly.

Where the demarcation point of that bubble is, is truly a mystery.

This postulation can be proved or disproved with a simple test.

As the spacecraft get further away, does the bit rate of the telemetry change at all, even in the slightest?

The bit rate should not change with distance, only time!

I am a science fiction writer. I don’t pretend to understand the books of math that these scientists do. Because I don’t constrain my thought process to what I can find a formula for, I can think outside the box.

The postulations no matter how preposterous they may seem to the scientific community, I claim them as mine and hold that copyright.

They may very well find themselves in one of my next novels which is possibly the only place that they belong.

-Best

Am Radio kit from China

Cheap Chinese Radio Kit

As a radio enthusiast from way, back I thought that it might be fun to build a radio from a kit.

A quick search of eBay turned up a simple six transistor kit for less than $10.

I was interested in a kit that was as close to the radio’s we had in the 1960’s which would leave out anything with integrated circuits.

Ordering the kit it was about 3 weeks before it arrived and another 2 months before I opened it.

Not wild about the color of the case nor the front plate, but this is a kit, not a work of art; right?

notice the 2 transistor places marked v4

The board looks pretty straight forward.

Problem 1… the instruction are all in Mandarin.

T2, T3 and T4 Are not interchangeable.

Those character by the purple blotch are the designations of which are which.

On another part of the document is a chart for the resisitor color code. Since I know what it is I can work it backwards and figure out what the colors should be.

There you go…the primer as it were. BBROYGBVGW

Now working this backward…The IF cans were identified.

T5 is the audio output transformer and it too has a key. Notice the white dot on the board and the slightly raised up bump on the housing of the transformer.

The rest of this was simply to populate the board correctly and see if you guessed right.

I noticed on the circuit board that there were traces that were not completed for some reason. If I could read Mandarin I am guessing that possibly those are stages at which you could do tests before completing the entire circuit.

Notice the C and the D… There is also an A and a B which are not completed either.

Over to the left of the board you can see two of the incomplete circuit paths.

If you look carefully at the parts layout you will notice that V4 and V5 should really be V5 and V 6 as there are two V4’s wich in our nomenclature would be Q4,5 and 6.

So not only are the instructions worthless to those who cannot interpret Mandarine the printing is flawed.

My review and guess of this “kit” is that someone bought a bunch of them because they were dirt cheap as the printing was flawed.

The kit does not use a detector diode which causes it to lack sensitivity. My guess is that they are using the driver Transistor as part of the detector as well.

Since these are silicon transistors and not germanium that too hinders the performance as a detector.

Once built you must insert a 455Khz signal with the variable capacitor open and tune the black If can for maximum sound output.

Using a non-metallic tuning tool you can then tune for your radio stations. The two adjustments on the back of the variable cap work in conjunction with the oscillator and the last IF can to set the stations on the dial accordingly.

Even though this kit was cheap, unless you have some pretty good radio savvy, I would take a pass.

As an FYI the speaker is very tinny sounding.

I took a short video of it working but, the video type is not compliant with WordPress. Sorry about that.

-Best

Gesundheit

: Yep, that tree is sending out its pollen…

This time of year, watering eyes, plugged up noses can be the start of something much worse if not taken care of properly.

Checking your pollen counts for your area when this happens is critical to know what it is that is effecting you.

“Why?” You Asked.

Avoidance things that you are allergic to, is your first line of defense from becoming ill.

746941main_pollenprairiehollyhock_full (1) — Is it any wonder why this thing bothers your sinuses?

Juniper is one of the triggers that affect many. The pollen from this plant causes the sinuses to become inflamed or agitated which in turn causes them to react, in this case, create mucus in order to wash away the offending irritant.

The sinus tissues becomes inflamed and swells, thus trapping that mucus allowing bacteria to find a nice moist place to grow and thrive. Once of course you have bacteria take hold, you now have a sinus infection.

The more disconcerting problem with this is; “why the hell do people plant this plant?” Yes, the plant has a pleasant appearance and stays green all year round.

Juniper_berries_2595104k — Oh, look how pretty….NOT!

From late September to April this thing sends pollen out onto the winds which affect many.

Older folks or people who already have respiratory concerns can become ill with these triggers which could actually lead to pneumonia and death.

“You can’t fix stupidity.”

Juniper plants grow all over the US so avoiding them may be a tough call. There are parts of the country with higher levels of pollen than others however. Living near the ocean where onshore breezes from the salt air is probably why so many live so long in Florida. Respiratory illness is one of the leading causes of death.

If you have ever looked up at the moon and seen this…that is pollen causing it and you can bet it is Juniper…

Manage the symptoms.

Talk with your Pulmonologist about your condition.

If you have not already done so, speak with an allergist and see if you are a candidate for immunotherapy.

When you start to sneeze, that is the time to get serious about your regimen to stay healthy.

Prophylactically attack the problem head on with everything in your arsenal from Nasal irrigation to anti histamines. Nose sprays with steroids in them are also a good idea. Keeping the swelling of the sinus tissues at bay will allow the mucus to actually wash the surface of the tissue and be expelled as they was designed to do.

While Allegra and Benadryl are over the counter, these too should be part of your arsenal if your doctor agrees with this.

What you take must be ok with your doctor, as your other meds may interact with it; or your particular health may not afford you the luxury of taking things such as this.

The idea is to avoid that which triggers your allergies.

Manage the symptoms

Go see your doctor before it gets too bad. Once it turns into an infection, a course of anti-biotics may be needed which we use way too liberally in this country. Bacteria will become resistant to them and then stronger and stronger antibiotics will be needed. These not only kill the offending bacteria but, the good bacteria that lives in us all.

Once these take hold…you may need the big guns to get rid of them.

Like brushing your teeth is a daily regime; I would take your sinus health just as seriously. If you decide to do some landscaping around your house, I would not plant cedar juniper plants just because these things are vile when it comes to health.

-Best