Friday, June 5, 2009

Aliens


Did aliens visit humans thousands of years ago? There are a number of pieces of evidence that to which people on both sides of the argument cling. Since this is only a blog I will take an overview of some of the evidence I have heard rather than write a term paper with proper sources and whatnot.


Yes - There is evidence from Egypt and Central America that seems too good to be true. Apparently, The Great Pyramid at Giza as well as the Mayan Pyramid at Teotihuacan share very similar characteristics. Both are built precisely on the equator. Both have the same base size to within a few centimeters of each other. It seems unlikely that two cultures - separated by huge oceans - would have such similar design characteristics.


Yes - In both cultures, the fractured history that remains references divine intervention. It is unclear whether these pyramids were built to worship the Gods that literally descended from the skies or whether they were built in order to please the perceived spirits above. However, the technology at the time of the construction was not nearly advanced enough to build such massive structures - one would think. Stones weighing several tons were placed precisely and meticulously in order to create these world wonders. One calculation: If the Giza pyramid was actually built in 22 years - like many of the sources indicate - than one block must have been cut, shaped, transported, carried, pushed, hauled, and placed every 7 seconds for 22 years in order to create the thing. Did the ancient Egyptians really do this or were they literally helped by the Gods above? I do not know but it seems pretty extraordinary.


No - for the same reason many think that aliens did visit us, others think they did not. Both the Egyptians and the Mayans possessed an incredible understanding and mastery of the skies. It is not unlikely that they could have somehow calculated the position of their pyramids to fall directly on the equator. So there goes that argument. It is also possible that the dimensions of both structures are sound and ideal for building pyramid like structures. Maybe it is just a coincidence.


No - written history is not the most accurate way to follow the rise and fall of these cultures but what remains suggests that life-forms came out of the sky and helped create these massive monuments. How should we interpret these records? Since the records say that something came out of the sky do we interpret this literally or do we infer that they were speaking in a more poetic tongue?


Either way, it seems strange that other life forms would have visited the planet, helped make these enormous structures and left. Perhaps they are planning a return someday. I do not think so. In my own opinion, I think that the ancient people were smarter and more resourceful than we give them credit for. Although their accomplishments are astounding, if they were unaware about technology and had no other choice, they probably put their heads down, sucked it up, and built the pyramids. End of story. It is exciting to think about aliens visiting us and maybe someday it might actually happen...but I do not think it has happened yet.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Sea Water


Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world. A group of small islands scattered throughout the Pacific Ocean between Fiji and New Zealand, it is perhaps man-kinds picture of paradise. The population is a little over 12,000 with a land mass area of only 10 square miles. The country sent their first ever Olympic competitors to Beijing in 2008 and have been gaining worldwide attention as climate change climbs the charts of concern to settle next to the economy, real estate, and banking. The country is on the verge of crisis and might become the first country in our lifetime to literally disappear. While national borders have shifted over time, most major nation states can point to some land as their pure "homeland." Tuvalu, with rising sea levels will likely be (if all the scientists and climatologists are correct) the first nation state in the world to be swallowed up by Poseidon.
Displacing some 12,000 climate refugees from the pacific paradise might not be too difficult for the neighboring countries such as New Zealand and Australia, however it could be a sign for what to come further down the road. As sea levels continue to rise after washing over Tuvalu, larger population around the world will be forced to adjust. This could lead to a major migration of climate refugees from around the world. These unfortunate souls would have a limited number of choices about where to settle since many of the world's major cities lie near or on the seashore.
Imagine a world in which geographical advantages go beyond natural resources but are found in those nations with highlands, mountains, and safety from the grabbing sea water. How would the powers shift? Perhaps it is beyond my level of comprehension to try and account for all the factors that might cause or lead to a shift but just imagine for a second. In this future world consumed by water (no not like 'Water World') which countries would be most effected? Imagine that most of the world's powers - such as United States, United Kingdom, China, India, and Russia - are severely crippled. Where would all these people go? Would we suddenly be sent running to the mountain of Colorado or the Black Mountains of Russia?
Perhaps for a brief period of 5 years in which major migration take place, many decide to move away from the shore. In this new world large population erupt in tiny mountain villages throughout the world. I wonder if this would really happen. How far would people be willing to go and how far could they afford to travel? Many will not possess the financial ability to move very far. All in all, increasing sea levels will pose a problem for many of us down the road. Grab that cheap land in the mountains while you can because someday, maybe in 100 years or so, it could be very valuable.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Anonymity

Today it is possible to interact with others over the wonderful, amazing, incredible internet. Unfortunately, the internet provides a veil behind which we can all hide. Alter egos and aliases allow us all to interact with each other without knowing who is on the other side of the computer screen. While some people might enjoy or even get a thrill from this kind of interaction, it also provides a platform for abuse. 

(Multiplayer online game (from facebook))
Gamer 1: Purple you suck!
Me: Thanks
Gamer 1: You're welcome you whore
Me: Dont get upset
Gamer 1: You forgot the apostrophey you whore
Me: I'm just trying to have fun
Gamer 1: Have fun with your legs wide open

So while this might seem like a funny interchange, after several of them I am g3t tired. Likely many of these gamers are youthful tweens just learning new words - experimenting with all the new swears mom and dad never allow under their roof. Many online games these days have side bars for players to chat with each other. This is the perfect opportunity for all of us to jokingly talk "smack" to each other. However, I find that this playful chatter can sometimes get out of control and distract us from the games we are playing. Often, I find myself killing time on these game sites and do not have time to think about potential jabs at my opponents. It is tiring. I do not like trying to think about insults and take no pleasure in doing so. It is a hassle and a pain. So all of the gamers out there, please take it easy and spread the love rather than "smack" others around. Maybe I am being soft but its been on my mind recently and felt the need to say something about it. That is all for now. Keep on gamin'.