Happy Friday, folks! Anyone else set for the holiday weekend? I’ve got my “ragtime” hat. I’ve got my American flag suspenders. I’ve got my star socks. I’ve got my red and white striped pants. I’m heading north to DJ for some senior buddies, ready to march around to Stars and Stripes Forever in this delightfully garish getup. Perhaps I should smuggle some fireworks in with me. Although, once I was DJing for an elementary school, and the smoke machine set off the fire alarm. Everyone was ticked. But I digress…It’s a good day to bring some joy.
Before I go hurt everyone’s eyes, here’s your Friday mashup. I hope you enjoy…
In the Doghouse
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of driving this.
Isn’t she a beaut? It’s a 6” f/15(?) Clark refractor, also at the McCormick Observatory at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Housed in a small roll-off roof building affectionally called “The Doghouse”, it was built in 1895. It’s a study in Steampunk-ery. Dig those brass dials and tube! The photo doesn’t show it well, but the thing that looks like a mini Doctor Who tardis holding up the scope is the coolest bit of all: It’s a mechanical, weight-driven clock drive, letting the telescope track the stars “as the World turns.” (Next time I’m there, I’ll get you a better shot of it.)
People turned out for the open house, lining up to look through this tiny piece of historic glass. Although it looks big, it’s the same size as the finder scope (tiny) on the 26” telescope next door.
Kids were wowed, parents loved it, and it sure was nice to talk space with an enthusiastic bunch. The “Double Double” star in Lyra was a showpiece, and the blue-orange pairing of Alberio fitting of the UVA colors. My favorite moment, however, was speaking with some college students. They were asking obscure questions, straining their brains to articulate the thoughts, and I was taxing mine to follow. Suddenly, the magic happened: all parties were riveted, completely engaged in the conversation. We were ants on a dust mote, all thinking and pondering together.
The telescope was nifty. The space (pun intended!) it created for all of us to think and listen was priceless. I love that about the stars. They grab us by the scruff of the neck, and force us to contemplate Infinity. The doghouse became a salon of old, a place for the big thoughts. Spiffing!
That’s Dope
On a note only related by the fact that it’s interesting science that can lift us up, I bumped into this podcast recently. I had to share it.
Andrew Huberman talks Dopamine, and how it’s the currency for motivation and craving.
I’m partway through, and he takeaway so far is:
Dopamine is a renewable, but non-infinite resource. (Your body creates it, you use it, and it needs time to make more.)
Certain activities release it (exercise, for example.)
The resulting spike feels good, but as it wears off, it goes below baseline, causing pain.
The natural instinct is to try to get more, but if the spike was extreme, there’s no more to be had.
It’s important to let yourself normalize levels before another spike.
(That’s what I’ve understood so far.) And, it seems to work! I noticed that once I get out of the gym (causing a spike of dopamine), I’ll feel good, but as it starts to wear off, I’ll rummage around for something to boost it: more music, a snack, starting a new project, etc. This will lead to feeling burnt out, not able to enjoy anything.
Instead, I’ve been taking the drive home to sit in complete silence as things return to normal. So far, so good! Give it a listen, and let me know what you think. What a fascinating topic.
Have a great weekend, don’t blow your hand off with a firework, and see ya Monday!
Josh