MadMup.com

My thoughts on a couple of hot topics:

1) I think space exploration is a fine thing, really. Who doesn't want to fly around space on the Enterprise? These trips we're taking to Mars and wherever else are the first step, right? So, fine, do it. Go ahead. Here's an idea, though - people are always talking about setting up some sort of manned base on Mars for research and stuff. Why not practice somewhere closer, like, the MOON, maybe? Galactically speaking, it's right next door, rather than a month or more away like Mars is. Let's set up some sort of manned base on the moon, see how it goes, and figure out from there if we want to do the same thing on Mars. Maybe it won't be so cool and we'll just call the whole thing off. Who knows?

While we're on the subject, let's talk about astronauts for a minute. Most of these people seem to be nice people with families waiting back on Earth for them. I know they need to be super-smart and all, but I've got an idea: let's send geeks. You know, the stereotypical guy who lives in his parents' basement when he's 35? Let's send him. We can automate most of the stuff that deals with flying the ship, so that's not a problem. This guy is used to being by himself, so the loneliness factor would be nil. Make sure he's got an Internet connection on the ship and on the Moon and you're all set. I know what you're thinking: yeah, but how do we get him to do experiments and stuff? Well, maybe some sort of rewards program - you do these experiments today and you can use your computer for 8 hours tomorrow or something. But, really, isn't the grand experiment just seeing if people can live on the Moon?

2) The Terminator movies are one step away from turning into the Matrix movies. You've got a bunch of machines intent on wiping out humanity - give them a desire to find a renewable power source and you're there. Maybe James Cameron should think about suing the Wachowski brothers. And I should get a cut for mentioning it.

3) When you think about the future, one of the first things you think about are flying cars, right? "It's 2003, where are the stinking flying cars?" It's a topic Jerry Seinfeld has touched on, I think. But I have to tell you, I'm not so keen on the idea of flying cars, unless I'm the only one that has one. Think about it - in an average day, how many lousy drivers do you see? A lot, right? Well, they're on traveling in two dimensions, really. Add a third dimension to that, and you've cubed the problems. Instead of people cutting you off from either side, they'll be cutting you off from above and below you as well. You think parallel parking is bad? Try cube-allel parking. No thanks! I'll walk!

Well, that's all I'll bore you with today.

The cool thing about today is that, even though it's Thursday, I don't have to work tomorrow, so it's kind of like getting a bonus Friday. Cool!

Labels: Seinfeld