Day 72 of the oil spill in the Gulf

It is now over 2 months after the pipe broke on that BP oil rig and we are not any closer to shutting it down than we were at day 1! What the hell is wrong with this picture? I have heard of all kinds of solutions from burning it off (which is what they tried at first), enzymes, using stainless steel drums and of course that famous "cap" that didn't work. Apparently BP does not have any scientists on its payroll otherwise they would have figured out how to shut it down or make it less harmful to the environment. We shall see what happens next.

More marine biology should be taught in schools

Something that I always thought that should be taught at the high school level is marine biology. Regular biology class has always been geared toward the medical aspect of learning. Sort of getting students ready for the world of doctors and biological sciences. Not everyone is interested in becoming a doctor or nurse. Some of us want something else that does not have to do with medicine.

Then you also get the push for computer science and even computer clubs at school. I use to get sick just getting those club flyers pushing for more technology. People, the more we move towards technology the further we move away from nature. Just look at how the children of today act. They get their life's experiences from TV, movies and video games. Even the Wii simulates real exercise. Next they will come up with a Wii game that simulates swimming for those who can't really swim.

Boy did I go off on a tangent there, from what I would like to see taught in schools to what kids are doing in their spare time. Well, enough ranting for now....I have got to shut the lid on this laptop and go do something outside with nature.....away from technology, at least for a few hours.

Is 16 too young to do anything solo?

If you have been following the news about the 16 year old girl that attempted to sail around the world you would know that her attempt has ended. After a storm left her sail boat's mast broken, she had to end her trip. The controversy surrounding her age is by far over shadowing her dream. I have seen way too many stories and polls online saying she is too young to attempt such a feat. To them I say phooey and here is why:

Society has a short memory. Much of our history is forged on people under the age of 18 leading armies, making discoveries and doing extraordinary feats. If you want a short refresher course in history just check out this page. Of course that does not take into account that only 200 years ago people were often married and had started families by the age of 16. Kings and Queens were often put in charge of armies at very young ages. It was not uncommon that Kings married a "woman" that was only 12 and that the child bride outlived the King and took over running the kingdom.

Nature has made humans sexually mature at the age of 13-14 years of age. Normally when a mammal is strong enough and able enough to reproduce we call them adults. So why the controversy over a 16 year old girl who wants to accomplish something in her young life. Maybe it is not her age but because she is a girl. After all, her brother did the same thing last year and I don't remember an outcry about him. Of course he is a "man" when he did something young.

Have we not only a double standard about sex but age as well?

I can't swim!!!!

Yes, I can swim, just like a fish at that. The thought of some of my friends that love marine life and even going out on the ships and boats but can't swim amazes me. My own father who was in the navy, could not swim. It just boggles the mind.

Why on earth would someone not learn how to swim when they are near water so much? I guess that gives their loved ones an excuse to shop for health insurance quotes, hoping they don't use it to keep them on life support after they nearly drown. It just makes no sense to me.

Counting my blessings

It is pouring rain here in the Pacific Northwest so that brings me to yet another day to count my blessings:

• I am so thankful that we have rain. I say that because I have lived in a drought area when I was younger. Water rationing in not fun.
• I am so thankful that another semester is almost over with. Just one final this term.
• I am so thankful that I don't have to shop for a term life ins policy...or should I?
• I am so thankful that I might get a part time summer job at the local fish hatchery.
• I am so thankful that my last trip to the coast to gather geology info was a success.

My blessings may seem small to you but they are BIG to me.

Hurricane season has just begun in the Gulf

It is June first and it marks the beginning of the hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico. With the oil disaster still going on, I wonder how a hurricane will affect the situation. I still find it amazing that the amount of oil that has spilled into the Gulf would amount to what the entire US population would use in 3 hours.

As always I would love to read your comments on the subject, just leave a comment. Of course all comments are moderated due to the fact I keep getting spammy comments that have links to diet pills or other junk websites. I really can't understand why someone would sign their comment with a product name like Acneticin instead of a real sounding one like Joe or Tammy. It just makes you wonder where they get the time to do stuff like that. Oh, wait a minute, aren't they the ones making government policy regarding off shore oil drilling? Now it makes sense........or does it?