etee's Photo Blog

E D Truitt

A contest-winning photograph. (Yea me!)

Photograph copyright © 2010 E D Truitt.

Last Friday evening, I found myself at the Houston Zoo for the Social Media Club event of the month:

E D Truitt

TWEETS... IN... SPACE

It being the Houston Zoo and all, there had to be animals on display. It being an evening social event and all, there had to be a band. Put the two in the same room, and watch as hilarity ensues:

The main program was a discussion/interview with one of NASA's astronauts. Before that, however, we had the standard "welcome" speech. Of course, this being about NASA and social media, what better way to kick things off then to have the "welcome" speech delivered via live video feed. From the ISS.

E D Truitt

Welcome address, via live video feed from the ISS

It was interesting to hear the astronauts talk about using social media (specifically, email and Twitter) to communicate with "the folks on the ground". This new focus on social media builds on such programs as ARISS and Hams in Space, with the additional benefit that, by using the Internet, they can communicate with many more people. Which, as it turns out, is happening at a critical time for NASA.

As I am sure most of you have heard by now, NASA in undergoing some major changes, what with the Shuttle program coming to and end, and the Constellation/Ares programs (presumably) getting the axe in favor of "privatization" of space travel. NASA is searching for ways to remain relevant, and one item they have hit on is a marketing campaign on "how much stuff that you take for granted is the result of NASA's research?" And, folks, we are NOT talking about Tang here.

E D Truitt

Astronaut food and other things we can't live without

Now, mind you, I have no issue with NASA conducting a campaign of this sort. While many of us are well aware of the benefits of space exploration and research, sadly there are many who aren't. And, this sort of "education" is simply one of those things that is required to stay in business in today's climate.

Of course, being a social media event, we couldn't forget the "social" aspect. In addition to the band, there was food (and drink), including a favorite of the sugar-addicted:

E D Truitt

Cupcakes and other things that make the party

(More photos can be found at my Flickr set on the event.)

All in all, a good evening. And, it was even somewhat informative. What I found most interesting was that NASA is continuing to evolve how they interact with the public. By making use of technology, they are getting set to build a new chapter in the space program. This is something I wish the ham radio community would take to heart. Because, continuing to focus on doing the the good old-fashioned way, while technology (and the people who use it) are marching on, places our (ham radio) hobby at risk of being seen as increasingly irrelevant.

Yes, there have been some advances made in the past 25+ years I have been a ham. Particularly in the use of digital communications modes. However, far too often our communications are made using the same technologies (e.g. analog voice) that our grandparents used (if they were hams, that is), and analog voice is probably among the most INefficient use of our radio spectrum (except maybe for analog video.) D-STAR shows some promise, but needs a serious makeover on the human interface side. C'mon, folks, in a world with things like the iPhone, surely we can design a better UI than a twisty knob and a telephone keypad!

And, not only do we need to upgrade our technology, we also need to upgrade our operating practices. Some time ago, I wrote an article on using a Twitter-like service for passing tactical traffic during public service events. I was shot down fairly quickly, most commenters (tho none on the blog itself) dismissing it as "nothing different than a repeater". Maybe so, but it is a paradigm that more and more people are making use of, and there are some distinct advantages to not being wedded to one specific communications path. Not to mention, being able to "rewind" and replay the entire stream of conversation(s) at will.

After all, if NASA can change with the times, I suspect the ham community can, as well. At least, I hope so.

Photographs copyright © 2010 E D Truitt.

E D Truitt

SEE ME AND MY FRIENDS AT THE HEALTH MUSEUM

Photograph copyright © 2010 E D Truitt.

Last week, the boss was in town, and decided to take the team out to lunch. As the boss is a fan of Benihana, and since there is one within walking distance of the office, that's where we went.

As is my wont, I started out with a sushi roll:

E D Truitt

DRAGON ROLL: Eel, avocado, crabstick meat, cucumber - but NO DRAGON

Next up: the teppanyaki chef. Now the fun begins. He starts with the fried rice...

E D Truitt

A MICKEY MOUSE DISH - BUT ONLY BRIEFLY

And then moves on to preparing the veggies. The "onion volcano" is an old favorite.

E D Truitt

THAT SHE BLOWS

The "onion locomotive", on the other hand, was a new one to me.

E D Truitt

CHOO CHOO! *chug* *chug*

E D Truitt

CHOO CHOO!

Then, it is on to the proteins.

E D Truitt

WHERE'S THE BEEF? oh, yeah, right here...

Thank you, Chef Doan, for a wonderful performance!

Photographs copyright © 2010 E D Truitt.

Today's photo came from the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and was taken during my recent A Day at the Museums tour. Enjoy.

E D Truitt

• Description: Opal (gemstone)
• Location: Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, HMNS.
• Taken: 15-Feb-2010

Photograph copyright © 2010 E D Truitt.