An Open Letter to NASA

A message to the NASA Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee:

As a child I was fascinated by the space program. I wanted to become an astronaut and took all the math and science classes that I could in preparation to becoming an astronaut; I even started flying lessons at 13.

Unfortunately my future was taken away from me as launches were cut and almost everyone (except me apparently) seemed to lose interest in the promise of space. Oh sure, there was Star Trek but, for me, it only made the longing worse.

It’s too late for me, but not for the youth of today. There are so many reasons why we need to, no MUST, go back to space (and not just earth orbit) – survival of the human species is one big one (big rocks DO fall from the sky).

We need a truly functional space station, bases on the Moon, humans on Mars, and we need to be exploring the asteroid belt for the valuable resources it holds. We need to be planning a colony on Ganymede or Callisto, exploring the life that most likely exists on Europa. We need to be researching how to get beyond our solar system and out to the stars.

Just like man explored the surface of this planet and made great voyages over land and sea, it is time for us to begin our next big exploration. Our future depends upon it.

So, that's my letter. Follow the link at the top of this post if you would like to express your opinion directly to NASA. You can also attend one of the meetings in person. Here's the info I got from The Planetary Society:

"Next week, the committee is holding three meetings where the public is invited to propose their ideas and to make comments. The meetings are scheduled for three U.S. areas where the space program contributes mightily to the local economies:"

HOUSTON, TEXAS
Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center, Crystal Ballroom Salon A & B, 2500 South Shore Blvd., League City, TX 77573, 800-442-5005.

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA
Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Davidson Center for Space Exploration, The U.S. Space & Rocket Center, One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805, 256-837- 3400.

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA
Thursday, July 30, 2009, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, Grand Ballroom, 1550 North Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, Florida 32931, 321-799-0003.

Water Wars

There’s an old saying: “You never miss the water till the well runs dry.” Much of the world lives on less than 4 gallons of water a day. Here in the U.S. we use approximately 100 gallons of water per person per day. For statistical information and other excellent information about this issue please visit the World Water Council. I must admit I am shocked by how much we in the U.S. use. Check out this site for the statistics.

Have you heard about Orme, a town in Tennessee, that only has running water for three hours per day? Check out this news story. And it's not just there: South Florida could be next because of low river levels. Check out this news story.

It is way past time we started to treat this life-giving resource with respect. Here’s some ways you can reduce the amount of water you use EVERY day:

• Don’t let water drip from a faucet. A dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons per day. I’m not just talking about in your own home either: if you are in a public bathroom and a tap is dripping or running all you have to do is turn it off.
• Turn off the water while you are brushing your teeth. Guys, don’t run the water while you are shaving – just fill the sink bowl with about an inch of water to use to rinse your razor.
• Run the dishwasher or washing machine only when full. If you need to replace either of those appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Not only will you save electricity, but water too. Consider a front loading washing machine, they wash your clothes better, and use less water and soap in the process.
• Take shorter showers. Depending upon the type of shower head you have you are using between 5 to 10 gallons of water a minute.
• If the yard doesn’t need watering, don’t water it. Once or twice a week should be more than enough.
• If you have older, high water usage toilets take a plastic water bottle and fill it with water or sand. Place that in the tank of the toilet to reduce the amount of water you use every time you flush. When you can, replace the old toilets with low water use toilets. They work just as well and use much less water.
• Here are some excellent sites for many more suggestions: Water Conservation Tips, 100 Water Saving Tips, 25 Ways to Save Water at Home
  

What are the alternatives? Remember New Orleans after Katrina? Now imagine it has been weeks since you’ve had running water, you’re thirsty, dirty, your family needs fresh water. What would you do? Here’s a story from the BBC on the looming water crisis.

Yes, these are hard truths. But we all need to work NOW to prevent water wars from tearing humanity apart. Every gallon of water that we save is a gallon that does not get removed from our shrinking water supply.

One final statistic for you: 97.5% of all the water on Earth is salt water, which leaves only 2.5% as fresh water. Here’s where I got this information.