Star
Trek is about exploration. It's about finding out new things, about ourselves
and about the universe around us. Here in the Avenger Sciences Division,
that's what we do.
There
are
three
E's
to know:
Exploration,
Education, Excitement
You
get the third from the first two. Learning new things is fun!!
Avenger's
Sciences Division is divided into four Departments, covering appropriate
aspects of science. The Departments, and some examples of the sciences
they include, are:
Members
who join the Sciences Division can specialize in a particular science
in which they might be interested, or they can just choose a department
and explore the many sciences it covers. The important thing is that the
Sciences Division is all about learning new things and having fun doing
it. Come explore with us!
Sciences' Continuing Mission:
Avenger's Sciences Division (SciDiv) is hoping to bring
science news and fun to the members of the Avenger and the world at large
in 2002. It's started
off slowly, but I'm hoping to pursue a few avenues, and I hope the division's
members will join in the process.
First, I'm on a quest for science-related links. If you
find 'em, send 'em to me. My contact information is on the main Sciences
Division page. The
goal is to give Avenger one of the best science-related resource collections
out there. I can't do it alone, so I hope that you, kind readers, will
help.
Second, I am embarking on a journey. On this journey,
I will create a grand list of sciences and scientific disciplines. It'll
take a while to build,
and anyone who wishes to contribute is welcome. In the end, though, the
goal *here* is to show just how many ways we have of exploring our world.
Below, you will find the ever-growing list of sciences.
I'll try to add a few each month, and when we're done, we'll see just
how grand and
amazing the universe is, and how amazing Humanity is that it can find
all these ways to look at the world around us.
So, now, beginning here, the journey shall begin. Join
me, won't you...?
In Service to the Fleet...
Admiral Alex Rosenzweig
Chief Science Officer
FH 1860 U.S.S. Avenger
How We Look at the Universe... (Sciences and Scientific Disciplines)
Physical
Sciences
Acoustics:
the science of sound.
Actinology:
the branch of physics dealing with the chemical
action of light.
Aeroballistics:
the study of the behavior of projectiles fired
from aircraft.
Aerodonetics:
the art or study of gliding and soaring flight.
Aerodynamics:
the branch of physics that deals with the
motion of air and other gases around objects, and of forces
acting on both bodies passing through air and other gases.
Aerographics:
the study of the air or atmospheric conditions.
Aerology:
the branch of meteorology that deals with
the properties and phenomena of the upper atmosphere.
Aeromechanics:
the branch of physics that deals with the
motion (aerodynamics) and equilibrium (aerostatics) of air and
other gases.
Aerometry:
the science of pneumatics.
Aeronomy:
the science that deals with the physical and
chemical conditions of the upper atmosphere, especially the
changes occurring as the result of radiation from outer space.
Aerophysics:
the branch of physics that deals with the
atmosphere; aerodynamics and aerostatics.
Aerostatics:
the branch of physics that deals with the
static equilibrium of air and other gases, and of solid objects
suspended or moving in them.
Aero-
thermodynamics:
the branch of thermodynamics that deals with
the relations between heat and mechanical energy in air and
other gases, especially in their applications to changes induced
by the motions of bodies in the medium.
Agroclimatology:
the branch of climatology that deals with
the effects of weather upon crops.
Algebra:
the branch of mathematics that uses both letters
and numbers to show relations between quantities.
Analytical Chemistry:
the branch of chemistry that deals with the
determination by analysis of the components making up samples
of matter.
Anemology:
the science of the winds.
Life
Sciences
Acarology:
the study of ticks and mites.
Adenology:
the scientific study of glands,
their nature, and their functions.
Aerobiology:
the branch of biology that deals
with the way bacteria, viruses, pollen, and the like are carried
through the air.
Agrobiology:
the study of plant nutrition and
growth in relation to the condition and constitutents of the
soil.
Agrology:
the branch of agriculture that deals with
soils.
Agrostology:
the branch of botany that deals with grasses.
Algology:
the branch of botany that deals with algae;
phycology.
Allergology:
the study of allergies.
Amphibiology:
the branch of zoology that deals with amphibians.
Anatomy:
the science of the structure of animals and
plants, based upon dissection, microscopic observation, and
other analyses.
Anesthesiology:
the science of administering general and local
anesthetics, especially in surgery.
Angiology:
the branch of anatomy that deals with the
blood and lymphatic vessels.
Anthropogenesis:
the study of the origin and evolution of the
human race.
Anthropometry:
the branch of anthropology that deals with
measurement of the human body, and especially its proportions.
Social
Sciences
Abnormal Psychology:
the study of all forms of abnormal
behavior of people, including the identification and classification
of mental disorders, their causes, and their treatment; psychopathology.
Aesthetics:
the study of beauty in art and
nature.
Agriology:
the comparative study of the customs of uncivilized
peoples.
Angelology:
the branch of theology that deals with angels.
Anthropogeography:
the branch of geography that deals especially
with the distribution and environment of man.
Anthropography:
the branch of anthropology that deals especially
with the geographical distribution of man.
Anthropology:
the science of man, that deals with his physical
characteristics, with the origin and development of races, and
with the cultures, customs, and beliefs of mankind.
Technical
Sciences
Acousto-electronics:
a branch of electronics dealing
with the conversion of electrical signals into a flow of acoustic
waves traveling along a solid surface.
Aeronautics:
the science or art having to do
with the design, manufacture, and operation of aircraft.
Aerospace:
the field of science, technology,
and industry dealing with the flight of rockets and other spacecraft
through the atmosphere or the space beyond it.
Agriculture:
the science, art, or occupation of cultivating
soil to make crops grow; the rasing of crops and farm animals.
Agronomy:
the study of soil and the improvement of crop
production; science of managing farmland.
For
further information, or if you have any questions, contact the Chief Science
Officer;
ADM Alex Rosenzweig
980 Linwood Place
North Brunswick, NJ 08902-2267 alexr@tellurian.com
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Greetings!
A short post tonight. Today was an excellent day, and a fine trip to Longwood Gardens. Turnout was on the light side, but those of us who went had a great time. :) We couldn't have asked for nicer weather, and things timed-out just right so that we got to see all the stuff we wanted to. The treehouses were tres cool! It was also great to see that the folks who were seeing the place for the first time, including my friend and coworker Allison and her friend Doug, were very impressed and had a great time, too. I love introducing cool places to friends, and this sure qualifies!
Also, a big thanks to Joanne for driving! It took a load off of me, and I appreciate it!
So, now, we're done with the SciDiv events for Spring '08, and I'll be taking a bit of a break to let some other folks lead the next couple of months' worth of events. But in the meantime, I'll be looking for ideas for the next trips/events, so as always, input is welcome!
But in the shorter run, the ship meeting is tomorrow, so there'll be more fun to be had!
It's been a busy holiday season, as they always are, but with everything that's going on, I also wanted to touch base on ye old blog and let folks know how things are from SciDiv.
On the down-side, as some of you know, we've lost our Assistant Chief. Janek has chosen to switch her membership status to Associate, and while I support her decision as something that makes her happy, I hope she knows that she'll be missed as my Assistant. Janek, you made a difference; don't forget that.
I won't be choosing a successor for Janek immediately, but I'll be keeping an eye on SciDiv's members to see if we have a standout who might merit the post. the basics that I'll be looking for are: Avenger and STARFLEET membership in good standing, and a commitment to and enthusiasm for the sciences, both in the real world and the Trekverse.
In general, I hope that all members of Avenger's SciDiv are, or would be willing to become, STARFLEET members. There's a few reasons for this: 1] It helps Avenger out, as the more 'FLEET members we have, the safer we are in continuing our existence. After all, too few STARFLEET members, and we get decommed! 2] STARFLEET membership brings not only the tangibles of a membership packet and a Communique, but also brings an individual into the greater community of not just our chapter or our region, but the entire international organization. And 3] It's fun!
Now, we are in the waning days of 2007. It's been a heck of a year, with lots of ups and downs. 2008 beckons, and it looks to be an exciting one! The Big Event, Trek-wise, is now just a fraction under a year away, and that of course is the new movie, "Star Trek". The film's producers are working hard to make this not only something that we as fans will enjoy, but also that folks who aren't yet fans can understand and be excited about. I guess we'll know next Christmas if they're successful, but I'm hoping for a great time at the movies, and a great opportunity for some new folks to get interested in Trek and find out what they've been missing all these years!
A little closer to home, we're planning two Sciences trips in the first third to half of 2008, one to Independence Mall and the Constitution Center in Philadelphia and another to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. And, of course, I'm always on the lookout for other fun things to do, so if you're reading this, whether you're in Avenger Sciences or not, and you have an idea, please don't hesitate to send a suggestion my way!
I'm looking forward to having a lot of fun with my friends and fellow members in 2008, and I hope you are, too. Here's to happy holidays and a wonderful New Year to come. Take care, and 'til next time...
Much like our CO, I finally get back onto Blogger after far too long a time and discover that much has been reworked! Well, I also got it all working okay, and am here with another blog entry!
So I was making some iced tea a bit ago, and I get to thinking about how, before one actually mixes the iced tea mix properly into the water to create a solution, the crystals can be viewed as a precipitate, drifting to the bottom of the pitcher. It's all chemistry. Science is everywhere. :)
Oh, right. Division blog. ;)
This spring has been busy! Hoo-boy, do we have a lot going on! Meetings with fun programs, great discussions, a successful SciDiv trip to the Museum of Natural History (followed by a delightful dinner at the Jekyll & Hyde Club), and lots of planning for what's still to come. And what might that be, you may ask?
In the weeks to come, we'll be having two more ship meetings, followed by the Avenger's 22nd Anniversary Picnic and the Charity Auction! Then Shore Leave and hopefully a summer division trip.
Picnic, first. If you're planning on going, let Judy or myself know. 's all casual, just $7 to cover food costs, and hopefully lots of fun! But we do need at least a rough head-count so we can provision correctly.
Auction... This is the big one. We've talked a lot about doing a major community service activity, and now we are weeks away from having it come to pass. All members should have gotten the command mailing Judy sent out. It's crunch-time now, folks, and we need your help. We need to make sure the word gets out that the event is happening, we need to have folks reaching out to potential vendors, and we will need folks helping out on-site. Obviously I'd love to see our SciDiv staff out in force helping, so if you can give some time, please contact me or Norm Van Houten. This is a good project, for great causes, and if it goes well, it could be great exposure for the Avenger. So, please, help if you can. Thanks in advance!
Upcoming SciDiv activities: Okay, here's the deal... getting the membership involved in the event pre-selection process has been tough. I'd really hoped for more involvement, but I guess that process wasn't that interesting. :( So I'm gonna try something else for a bit. I have some of my own ideas that I'd like to pursue for trips. And if nobody else suggests anything, that's what we'll do. BUT... That shouldn't mean that I'm not interested in hearing suggestions from others, or even having someone volunteer to lead a trip. So... If you have an idea, or want to volunteer, tell me! Meanwhile, here's what I'm thinking about: Liberty Science Center (when it reopens), Independence Mall and the Constitution Center, and Longwood Gardens. Do you like these ideas? hate them? Wish we could do something else that you want to do? Let me know, okay?
And that's all for me for now! Take care, and 'til next time...
First off, we had a small but enjoyable December ship meeting yesterday. While I'd hoped to see more SciDiv members in attendance, those of the crew who were there had a good time. Thanks to Norm Van Houten for being a great host and for feeding the crew in fine holiday style! And thanks to all the Avenger members who contributed to the Toys for Tots program, as well. A small bit of generosity can help make the season a little nicer for a child somehere.
Second, and on that note, best wishes for peace and happiness in this holiday season. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just the Winter Solstice, may this time of year be wonderful for you. :) And here's looking forward to an awesome 2007!
Third, all my best wishes and hopes go out to the crew of the space shuttle Discovery for a safe and successful mission. As I write this, the shuttle is docked to the International Space Station, and all appears to be well.
Fourth and last, I hope that the members of the Sciences Division can continue and increase our intra-division discussions as we go into 2007. There are lots of good times ahead, and I hope that the Sciences personnel of the USS Avenger will be right in the midst of it, having a wonderful time.
And on that note, I bid you adieu. 'Til next time, take care, and once again, happy holidays!
Well, less time has passed since last entry than between the previous two. That's progress, at least. :)
The last couple of months have had their ups and downs, to be sure. The IC, which I mentioned in the last entry, was a big success, and lots of folks who attended had a great time. In fact, I don't think anyone left unhappy, so we on the staff were all quite pleased with that. Todd's graphics were a big hit, especially at the General Session's roll-call. The roll-call of chapters can get tedious, sometimes, but Todd's very cool graphics and whacky sense of humor led to some "special" images that had everyone laughing.
More recently, last Friday was the 40th Anniversary of Star Trek, as it's generally reckoned. (Yeah, I know, "The Cage" was actually produced in '64, but everybody counts from the first network airing. ;) ) 40 years! Wow... Hard to believe. Trek's been a huge influence for me, and for a lot of folks I know.
This coming weekend, Avenger will be hosting a program at the North Brunswick Library on the 40 years of Trek. I hope you'll come visit.
I know it's sometimes in vogue to talk about Trek like it's something a little bit outmoded, and maybe dated in its naive optimism, but, y'know, the *other* anniversary this weekend, one a lot less fun than Trek's, is a good reminder of just how far we have to go, and how important it is to have a story that reminds us that things can be better. The events of September 11, 2001 were truly horrifying, not merely in the lives lost, but in the impact on the American--and perhaps the human--psyche. It reminded us of the lengths some people will go, and the damage they will do, for a cause, however twisted. And it serves as a reminder, too, that the need to look forward to a future where we are united as a race, all over the planet, and where we can not merely embrace our differences, but delight in them, and realize that those differences are what makes Humanity special, is no less palpable a need today than it was in the late 1960s.
Finally, I remind you, too, that over our heads as I write this, the space shuttle Atlantis orbits the Earth, docked to the International Space Station. The beginnings of a future in space are up there, right now, reminding us that even as we must never forget the tragedies that have befallen us in the past, we also cannot allow those tragedies to make us yield the future. Instead, we must use them to harden us, to strengthen us, to increase our resolve to make the future better than the present. And it is to that hope, and that resolve, that Star Trek speaks.
Happy 40th Anniversary, Star Trek! Here's to the years, and the adventures, to come!
Yeah, I know, it’s been too long since I did one of these entries. But here it is now! :)
Shore Leave 28 was just a week ago, and it was a blast for many of us. I even got to be on a panel, talking about the Trek Books Chronology, on which I’m part of the writing team. The third edition will be published in this fall’s Voyages of the Imagination, written by Jeff Ayers.
IC 2006 is only 3 weeks away, and I expect they’ll be busy weeks, as we come into the home stretch. I sure hope a lot of folks from Avenger will be attending. It’s gonna be a lot of fun!
After IC is done, the plan will be to start working on the next SciDiv event, and that’s where the members come in. As I’ve noted elsewhere, I’m working on gathering ideas for what folks would like to do, especially for possibilities we haven’t done before, or perhaps haven’t done in a long time. The more suggestions we get, the better off we’ll be.
And after that, in early September, we have the 40th Anniversary of Star Trek to celebrate! We’ll be working on some fun stuff for that, too.
Those are the highlights of where things are right now. We’ll see how things go, and I’ll have more to report in my next entry. In the meantime, seeya ‘round the galaxy!
Jeez, where does the time go? I've been meaning to get back to blogging, but every time I was going to do an entry, something came up. Hmph!
Well, here I am now. :)
It's been a busy fall and winter so far, and we've gone flying into '06 at warp speed, it seems. I just wish it would all slow down!
So, I was out of town this past weekend, and was going to miss my first Avenger meeting in many months. So what happens? It snows, and the meeting gets cancelled. I'm not quite sure what to make of that, but there it was. I was with some friends down in Virginia and Washington, DC, and we got a whole lot less snow than did Jersey. This meant we got to do what we'd planned with relatively little impediment. One of the places we went was the new annex to the national Air and Space Museum, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. That's where such large vehicles as a 707, an SR-71, and many others, including the space shuttle Enterprise, are housed. It's an excellent facility, and now it's got me thinking about a Sciences trip to Washington, DC, with a side-trip out to the Udvar-Hazy Center as part of the mix. We'll have to see if we can make that happen.
Meanwhile, though, don't forget about our trip to the Franklin Institute on 4 March! I'll be posting some details soon on the Avenger's mailing list, and you can also feel free to e-mail me with questions. It's been a while since we've been to the Institute, and we decided that it was time for a return trip. I've heard they've been doing some sprucing up. The Institute's famous giant walk-through heart has gotten a significant upgrade and there are some other cool new things to see. Check out the Institute's website at http://www.fi.edu/
Okay, that's enough from me for now. 'Til next time, then...
