Moon Rocks

Moon Rocks were collected and returned to Earth during the six Apollo space flight missions between 1969 and 1972. In total, astronauts collected 2,000 separate samples of rocks, dust, sand, core material, and pebbles weighing a total of 842 pounds. During the Apollo 17 mission, which lifted off on December 7, 1972, a record 244 pounds of lunar substance were collected and returned to Earth. The most famous lunar rock, called

English: The Genesis rock on the lunar surface Русский: Камень Бытия на лунной поверхности (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Genesis Rock,” was collected by astronaut James Irwin during the Apollo 15 mission. This half-pound rock is estimated to be more than 4 billion years old, as old as the moon itself. It is believed that the Genesis rock floated onto the surface of the moon during a period when the moon’s outer layers were in a liquid state. The largest lunar rock was collected during the Apollo 16 mission. Nicknamed “Big Muley,” the aluminum-and-calcium-rich rock weighs close to 26 pounds.

Today, 80% of the lunar rocks are housed in airtight vaults at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Another 13% are located in a special vault located at Brooks Air Force Base. 2% of the original amount has been destroyed during scientific study. The remaining 5%, or about 39 pounds, are available to scientists, educators, and museums. The astronauts were not allowed to keep any of the samples.

English: Lunar rock sample collected during Apollo 15 mission in late July-early August 1971 by Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin. Weighing nearly half a pound, this basaltic rock is believed to be 3.3 billion years old. It is housed in a protective case in an atmosphere of pressurized Nitrogen. Photo was taken at The Lyndon Baines Johnson presidential library and museum in Austin, Texas. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The lunar samples located at Johnson Space Center are housed in a building called the Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility. This high-tech facility was built in 1979 for the sole purpose of providing permanent storage for the lunar samples. Within the building are storage vaults for the samples, two laboratories, a vault that contains records and data, and machinery that supplies nitrogen to the storage and processing areas. The ultra-clean storage and laboratory areas are designed to maintain the condition of the lunar rocks while enabling scientists to study the lunar material. The nitrogen gas, for example, helps protect the samples from contamination. Samples are stored in stainless steel bins and separated by human hands by three layers of gloves. When handled by humans, the rocks are always kept in nitrogen-filled cabinets unless an experiment requires different conditions.

The Lunar Sample Laboratory facility is composed of bank-type vault doors, electronic sensing equipment, and other sophisticated materials for the purpose of withstanding hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and breaches of security.

Park Ranger

California State Park Rangers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Park rangers work in national and state parks. One of their primary roles is to protect and maintain natural resources as well as to provide a variety of visitor services. In an effort to manage natural resources, park rangers often patrol waterways and hiking trails. They try to ensure that plants and animals can thrive in their natural setting.

Park rangers also have a great deal of contact with visitors. Park rangers conduct hikes and give lectures and demonstrations to visitors about all aspects of the park and its history. They also assist with search and rescue efforts when visitors are lost or injured. Because of this, all park rangers are trained in first aid and life saving techniques.

Some park rangers are involved with the administrative duties that relate to the operation of a park. These duties range from training and supervision to preparing budgets and overseeing maintenance and repair initiatives.

Education and Training

In the U.S., park rangers may need the following education and training:

• two years of post-secondary education in a related field such as environmental management
• experience with hiking, cross-country skiing, boating and other outdoor activities is helpful

On the Job

Park rangers usually spend time outdoors assisting visitors with a variety of services. Because of this, park rangers are expected to have strong communication skills. Park rangers may work under extreme weather conditions in a variety of outdoor settings. Strength and conditioning helps park rangers deal with such demanding situations.

Math on the Job

Park rangers may conduct statistical surveys. For example, the size of an animal population can be estimated using a capture-recapture experiment that involves proportions. Park rangers who have administrative responsibilities may use mathematics and computers on a regular basis.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

English: In this photograph, emergency medical technicians of the North Lake Tahoe Fire District are loading a patient into an ambulance for transport to a hospital. The patient is being evacuated from the First Aid building at the Mount Rose Ski Area on Nevada State Route 431 between the cities of Incline Village and Reno. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide emergency medical care to persons who are sick or injured. In addition to giving urgent medical attention, EMTs usually transport patients to medical facilities. EMTs are generally the first medical personnel on the scene when a call for help is placed. There are three categories of emergency medical technicians: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT-Paramedic.

EMTs generally work in teams of two and respond to calls from a central dispatcher. Upon arrival, EMTs must assess the nature of the injury or illness and call for additional help if necessary. Following strict guidelines, all EMTs are authorized to initiate procedures such as opening airways, controlling bleeding, administering oxygen, and aiding with childbirth. Intermediate and Paramedic EMTs are allowed to give intravenous fluid, administer drugs both orally and intravenously, as well as provide several other advanced medical procedures.

After initial treatment is applied, victims are usually placed on a stretcher, secured in the ambulance and then transported to the nearest medical facility. Occasionally, patients are transported by helicopter to regional centers. Upon arrival at the medical facility, patients are brought to the emergency care department where the EMTs report on the patient’s status and initial care. Hospital personnel usually take over at this point.

Education and Training

In the U.S., Emergency Medical Technicians need one of the following three levels of education and training: EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and EMT Paramedic.

EMT-Basic
Training program includes 110 to 120 hours of classroom work and 10 hours of internship at a hospital emergency room. Candidates must pass a written and practical examination.

EMT-Intermediate
Training program typically includes an additional 35-55 hours of instruction.

EMT-Paramedic
Training program includes between 750 and 2,000 hours of classroom instruction.

As would be expected, each subsequent level of training prepares students to administer more advance medical care. EMTs must register for certification every two years.

On the Job

Since they are usually the first on the scene, EMTs need to be able to quickly assess a situation and then determine an appropriate course of action. EMTs must be capable of working in an environment that is emotionally and physically demanding.

Math on the Job

Emergency Medical Technicians need to be able to assess a particular situation and quickly determine the type of care required. Strong logic and reasoning skills greatly enhance an EMT’s ability to correctly identify the appropriate treatment. The administration of appropriate medical dosages requires solid arithmetic skill. EMTs are also very organized and detail-oriented.

Video Game Designer

English: Tony Warriner, a video game designer, design Beneath a Steel Sky. Français : Tony Warriner, notamment designer de Beneath a Steel Sky. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Video Game Designers usually work as part of a team creating the concept, appearance, movement, and method of keeping score for a video game. A significant aspect of the work of a video game designer is computer programming. Computer programming involves creating a set of instructions that a computer must follow in order to complete a certain function. This set of instructions is usually based on the programming language being used. Video game designers write programs that are able to make sounds, create screens that scroll, show three-dimensional graphics and have some form of artificial intelligence. A video game designer also needs to consider the capacity of the average expected user’s computer system to ensure that the program runs properly and at an acceptable speed.

Education and Training

In the U.S., video game designers may need the following education and training:

• a two-year technical degree certificate will provide some employment opportunities
• a bachelor’s degree from a four-year program with a concentration in computer science and programming may be required for more advanced work (about 60% of all computer programmers hold at least a bachelor’s degree)

Career path: Because of the increased level of specialization in computers, many employers look for candidates with specific programming experience. For example, a certain manufacturer of video games may only look at candidates that have experience with a particular programming language. Some companies will train current employees if they prefer not to hire new programmers.

On the Job

Video game designers may work in office settings. Because of Internet technology, a growing number work at home. In either case, video game designers often spend most of their time working on the computer. When problems occur and deadlines approach, video game designers may be called upon to work longer hours.

Math on the Job

Video game designers must be able to organize and create a logical sequence of instructions for a computer program. A flow diagram may be used to illustrate the procedures being written. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and logic are essential skills for any computer programmer.

Architect

France in 2000 year (XXI century). Building Site. France, paper card. Русский: Карточка серии "Франция в 2000 году" - Работа архитектора 2000 года: электрическое строительство. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Architects design houses, office buildings, schools, factories, airport terminals, and other structures. Architects consider a variety of factors such as feasibility, cost, safety, adherence to code, and overall appearance. They can be involved with a construction project from the initial design phase to the completion of the structure and beyond.

Typically, architects will meet with a client in order to gain an understanding of the client’s goals for the project. Architects then create a detailed set of drawings for the client that show the general shape and layout of a project as well as many of the more specific items such as electrical, heating, cooling and plumbing systems. The project as a whole must fit within the budget specified by the client. An architect may need to revise plans several times before the client is satisfied with a proposal.

Once a client gives approval to the initial proposal, architects then work on developing final construction plans. These plans usually give very specific information with regard to building systems, materials to be used, exterior landscaping, and interior furnishings. Additionally, architects must adhere to local fire, zoning, and handicap accessibility codes. Much of the work of an architect is done using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software.

After detailed drawings and specifications are created, the project usually goes out to bid. When the contract is awarded to a construction company, work can proceed. Architects usually are involved in the bidding and construction process.

Education and Training

In the U.S., architects need the following education and training:

• a 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree (some schools offer 2 to 4 year Master of Architecture programs for students with undergraduate degrees in related fields)
• a Master of Architecture degree is helpful for candidates who wish to pursue jobs in research, teaching or certain specialties.

An individual or architectural firm cannot provide architectural services until a license is obtained. An architectural firm may have unlicensed architects on staff as long as a licensed architect is available to take full responsibility for all work. Individuals without licenses are usually students and new graduates working as interns. In order to obtain licensing, individuals must have a professional degree in architecture, practical training, and a passing grade on the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

On the Job

Architects usually work indoors in an office environment. Much of an architect’s time is spent in meetings with clients and other architects as well as on the computer generating reports and drawings. In addition, architects often make trips to the construction site in order to gather information and check on the progress of construction.

Math on the Job

An architect needs a thorough understanding of geometry. An architect visualizes objects and layouts in three dimensions. This requires an ability to work with two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawings, which can then be passed along to the client and building contractor. Computer literacy is also important.

Most Americans Support Government Action on Altitude Change, Poll Finds

Richard Shelby (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Among Republicans, 48 percent said they are added acceptable to vote for a applicant who supports angry altitude change, a aftereffect that Jon A. Krosnick, a assistant of political science at Stanford University and an columnist of the survey, alleged "The a lot of able finding" in the poll. 67 percent of respondents, including 48 percent of Republicans and 72 percent of independents, said they were beneath acceptable to vote for an applicant who said that human-caused altitude change is a hoax. The poll begin that 27 percent of Americans were added acceptable to vote for an applicant who took that position, and 44 percent beneath likely.

The poll begin that 83 percent of Americans, including 61 percent of Republicans and 86 percent of independents, say that if annihilation is done to abate emissions, all-around abating will be a actual or somewhat austere botheration in the future. In contrast, 40 percent of independents and alone 18 percent of Republicans said the same. Ninety-one percent of Democrats, 78 percent of independents and 51 percent of Republicans said the government should be angry altitude change. By party, 88 percent of Democrats, 83 percent of independents and 71 percent of Republicans said that altitude change was acquired at atomic in allotment by animal activities.

Of course, this should be great news and perhaps it is. If the Democrats had vision and courage, they could use this to shape their agenda. However, we also had polling a couple of years ago suggesting that a large majority of Americans supported some of the (minimal) reform to gun laws that were passed by the Senate. We know how that turned out. Why? Money and a VERY VOCAL minority that knows how to get its way. Perhaps this will be different, but the voice of ignorance seems to be much stronger and louder in the USA than any other, and combined with the power of money that harnesses itself to this dearth of wisdom, we just move further from what could be. If you're in doubt, look the move to reverse Dodd Frank for starters, and then re-visit the debate on gun laws, and then the endless move to repeal the ACA. I find the results of this poll rather strange and confusing.

Is this because the American public is confused about climate and weather or it is because they are not scientists? Most people react to climate change only when they feel the wrath of nature on their own backyard. If it snows copiously, they tend to deny global warming, and it there is a great drought they tend to believe in it. These are just weather events that do not on themselves tell the real conditions of the climate and its variation through time. Climate is usually defining as the average of the global conditions of the atmosphere, ocean and land OVER 30 YEARS, so the weather of yesterday or last week is immaterial to what scientists call climate. The poll finding that a majority (80%) of the public believes that climate change is produced by humans...in this country? with the Koch brothers telling everyone watching TV otherwise? I doubt that result very much. It is more likely to happen in Europe, not in the US.

The hero here is whoever first stated that there was a correlation between climate change and weather disasters. Now, every weather disaster is taken as evidence of global warming. And as those struck by tornadoes and hurricanes, record snowstorms and droughts come aboard, our numbers grow. Melting polar ice caps may be the best evidence, but firsthand experience changes the world. We have recruited many Californians because of the drought. Just between you and me, the Times reported a study indicating that the drought has been caused by local factors. I wouldn't tell the millions affected. After all, the icecaps are conclusive, if they believe in the drought, I see no harm done. People who are irrational have no right to stand in the way of solving life-threatening crises. "I'm not a scientist." So what are you an "Educator"? If not you can't make decisions about education. Are you a "Doctor"? If not you can't make decisions about health care? Are you a "Lawyer"? If not, you can't make decisions about the law. Are you a "Banker"? If not, you can't make any decisions about banking. The excuse is meaningless. Basically, it means that the politician can't make any decisions except the field they trained in. What this shows is that the Republicans obviously don't have a mandate, despite the elections they won last term.

If you name any issue where the two parties differ, there is always an overwhelming support for the Democrats side. So why do people keep voting for Republicans? Beats me, but it sure isn't their policies. Perhaps voters are being brainwashed by Koch Money. Or perhaps they are mad at the Democrats for behaving too much like Republicans, and don't notice that the Republicans will behave even more like Republicans. It's amazing that anyone believes that the United States isn't among the world's biggest polluters. We rank up there in the top five and if we didn't have the EPA regulating smokestacks, water, car emissions and the like we'd probably be number one, because relative to our population, Americans consume far more than other developed countries.

Mitt Romney Say He Won’t Run For President

Mitt Romney (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, told a accumulation of supporters on Friday that he would not seek his party's choice for admiral in 2016.Mr. Romney, the above Massachusetts governor, aggregate his accommodation on a appointment alarm with a baby accumulation of advisers. In a additional alarm to a beyond accumulation of supporters, Mr. Romney said, "After putting ample anticipation into authoritative addition run for president, I've absitively it is best to accord added leaders in the affair the befalling to become our next nominee."

In an added than four-hour affair endure week, Mr. Romney's top agents associates and trusted admiral from 2012 relayed a sobering absoluteness - they accurate Mr. Romney and anticipation he would be the best president, but they did not necessarily animate a third run. Word of Mr. Romney's accommodation beatific after-effects through the Republican donor apple aboriginal Friday, as Romney aides began to telegraph the account to donors and added agents associates and strategists. He is appointed to accept banquet with Mr. Christie on Friday evening, according to two humans with ability of his schedule, suggesting that Mr. Romney may be because throwing his support, and that of his own political operation, to Mr. Christie.

Mr. Romney is an individual who comes from so many years of privilege, as well as having been the 'top dog' so often; I doubt he is interested in taking the VP position. Whoever eventually gets the GOP nomination they will likely select one of the less abhorrent Tea Party favorites (e.g. Cruz, Walker). That will put that constituency behind their ticket. As a (now former) establishment candidate, besides Mormons, Mr. Romney would offer roughly the same constituency as the presidential hopeful on the ticket (i.e. assuming the GOP will go with a more mainstream candidate). A cabinet position? Maybe. But...the White House must be won first. I think he realized that the money men in the GOP were not going to back him. I've no doubt that Mitt thinks he's the best man for the job.

I wonder what he was promised for not throwing his station wagon with his dog strapped to the top (a shout out to Gail Collins) into the ring. Mitt made a good choice. His 47% comment will follow him the rest of his life, mostly because a lot of us believe it truly reflects how he and the GOP feel. The destruction of the middle and working classes and the amassing of 50% of the world's wealth in the hands of one percent of the world's population has been where this nation has been going since Ronald Regan. Mitt was just another part of that, and I don't see any Republican planning to run who is any different. Clearly the real money men gave Mitt an offer he couldn't refuse. The fix has always been in with Bush. It's going to be very amusing watching the big money destroy Christie, and then wipe out all the far-right loons from the Clown Car. Then it will be even more fun watching the Kochs’ throws almost a billion dollars down the same rat hole they used in 2012, when Hillary wipes the floor with Bush.

Good move by Mitt! It was clear he could not connect with the average voter and we would have seen his third attempt at the White House fail. This was a man who changed positions more than the Santa Ana winds and could not be counted on to stick to any policy position he put forward. The Republicans will now attempt to find a consensus candidate. Good luck with that! Mitt is probably the best candidate that the Republicans can come up with. His unwillingness to run is an acknowledgment of his limitations and his party's limitations. They have, through their talking points, legislation, obstructionism, court rulings, alienated the nonwhites in general. They have become the party of that are anti-minorities, anti-immigrants, anti-science and anti-common-sense; it is now a party full of hit men for the wealthy. Thank god gerrymandering is much harder than on the local level. Otherwise the Republicans would also win the presidential elections with the lesser of the popular votes.