Good Friday, Bus Rides, and Immigration

I read two articles on this last day for me. It is Good Friday, the day Christians remember Jesus' death.
The first article was about a study done on the youth of London who have been given free bus cards. Apparently two social groups, the 12-18 year olds and people over 60 have been given free bus passes in London. There have been two studies, one on the older group and one on the younger group in order to see how the free transportation has changed the lives of the groups. Both studies seem to report positively, the youth are showing more signs of independence, feelings of belonging to London, and social connection. The article suggested that free bus passes be taken off the list of things which could be cut in budget cuts because of the numerous benefits.
The second article I read this morning was about the language used in immigration debates. I am not surprised to find out that the language used in immigration debates has consequences for people at the time and farther down the road. To quote an old play, "The pen is mightier than the sword." Even though we know how much language defines our worlds and reality, we forget how much it can hurt us. I think the language used in the leaked Obama bill of 'legal prospective immigrant' definitely puts a positive spin on the situation. I think the situation could use more positivity and compassion. The language has been very negative and very divisive so far. Hopefully, the language can be turned around to be more inclusive and not make the real problem look like someone else's problem. Most of us in the United States are descendants of immigrants anyway.

Invisibility and Ice

I read two articles today. I am trying to get lots of science in before my Lent practice is done. Obviously, I don't have to stop when Lent is over, but I won't be doing this every day. (Speaking of Lent, can you believe that Francis Perkins won Lent Madness? I can't. Totally was not one of the people I picked to go all the way through. I am glad to have learned about her and her work and I am glad that she has been recognized, but I am thoroughly surprised.)

The first article I read was about the summer melt season in Antarctica. If you haven't learned by now, Antarctica is really high on my place I want to go list. Unfortunately, the temperature is increasing in Antarctica which is causing more of the snow and ice to melt during the summer season. I would love to look at the scientific computer models they use to show the extent and implications of this extra water, alas. I do think that everyone should change their habits to be more green so that we can take better care of our planet. I have started a few things, composting, saving cold water from the shower before it gets warm, turning everything off in my house before I leave, riding my bike or car pooling as much as I can, etc. There are more things that can easily be done, I just don't know of all of them at the moment. What do you do to help the environment?

The second article I read today was about using something called a metascreen to cloak objects from microwaves. This is new and cool for two reasons. First, this technique is much thinner than other invisibility techniques, and second, the technique cloaks the object better than previous techniques. The metascreen is made out of copper and polycarbonate film in a certain pattern in order to have the waves bouncing off of the cloaking material cancel each other out. Pretty nifty, huh? Someday, Harry Potter will not be the only one with an invisibility cloak! 

Lenten Stingrays and Tectonic Plates!

I read two articles this morning. I am having a slight problem focusing, just fyi.

The first was about the stingrays in Stingray City in the Cayman Islands. Apparently lots of people visit the stingrays and pet and feed them. Some researchers have found that this is messing with normal stingray behavior. Instead, all the human activity is changing the stingrays into domesticated herd animals from their lone night ranger standard. Just another way humanity is changing the world in which we live. Given the popularity of the stingrays, I bet humanity does not want to hurt the animals. I wonder, does stingray behavior change in zoos?

The second article was about the plates under California. I once read a book about geology. And yes, that's about all the knowledge I have of that study. Well, a little bit more about the study of geology in Turkey considering that when I went to Turkey it was on a joint geology and religious studies trip. We did more religious studies than geology, but we did talk about the volcanoes in the area and the way they had changed the landscape. It seems that geologist have made a few discovery about the plates under California. I wonder if this means California will break off sooner or later than current thinking. We might actually not want California to do so since they grow so much food and wine. One of the ultimate wait and see scenarios!

In case you were wondering, Lent is almost over. This Sunday is Palm Sunday and then Easter is a week behind. This coming Monday is Passover for the Jewish tradition as well. I do not think I will continue to write about science everyday. However, I do think I will continue to blog more regularly and to talk more about science. I have all the best intentions!

Programming Ancient Languages

For part of my Lenten practice, I am going to be reading and reflecting on a science article each day. Hopefully they will all end up here. Today is Ash Wednesday and the first day of Lent. Today's article was:
Computerized 'Rosetta Stone' Reconstructs Ancient Languages

The article is pretty cool for someone who loves languages. In Ancient Hebrew class we sometimes talk about Ugaric and the way that Ugaric studies have helped understand some of the rare ancient Hebrew words in the Torah that were previously unknown. In liturgics we did talk about how in serious religious situations, people usually go back to the older, more archaic language/vocabulary to express time honored emotions. Not only are our abilities to program a computer to find aspects and sound connections impressive, but the idea that ancient languages are based on patterns which we still use today is kind of impressive. Human brains obviously have some traits that do follow through despite generations upon generations of small changes.
This is the kind of thing I would do more if I had more time in my life, study ancient languages. Along with study ancient mathematics. The article has an exception for Latin, which I am surprised about. What patterns does Latin not follow?
Humans create their own meanings and understandings through their symbols, and language is the principle vehicle for sharing those. Emotions, patterns, and music may be better vehicles, but language is probably the most used. And to think we are always surprised when what we find written are normal things about business and politics and religion. We have our patterns. If only we could change those patterns to reflect the joy and love we feel instead of the pain and hurt.
I wonder if they have or will send something like Ancient Hebrew through such a program. I wonder if we have missed stuff in our nuanced skilled language reconstructions. Just in taking Hebrew class, I have learned new things about the Torah which could change the way most Christians view the bible and their theology. Just because we like our worldview, doesn't mean its the best.