Let's write about space and our place in astronomy!

Echo prediction about alien life in space:  Astronomy - The Daily Astronomer reported by the Southworth Planetarium, at the University of  Southern Maine, in Portland, Maine. 

Astronomers say we are not alone!

Absolutely, undeniably, categorically, irrefutably, most assuredly, one hundred and one point one percent not! Honestly, as of this writing, astronomers have confirmed the existence of 5271 exoplanets, or planets in orbit around other stars. Based on these detections, we can estimate that our one galaxy could harbor 1 - 3 trillion planets. Let's assume that we're the type of sour-souled buzz-kills capable of frosting palm trees with a single glance and so estimate that only 0.001% (one in a hundred thousand ) of these planets could give rise to life. That would still give us 10 - 30 million life-bearing planets in our own galaxy.

Planet life fantasy.

While neglecting the innumerable galaxies boasting comparable stellar populations, we pose the question: Could anyone possibly suggest that Earth is the only life-harboring world in the cosmos? No Vulcans with their impeccable logic. No Daleks with their propensity for indiscriminate violence. No phosphorescent fern-craving Blagunsdtrungs, pi-worshipping neo Archemedians or galaxy enslaving Empires or Encyclopedia Galactica? Utterly preposterous.

Or, is it?
A research team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has recently revisited the now notorious "Filter Theory," introduced by George Mason economist Robin Hanson. This theory posits that other alien worlds have and perhaps still even do exist. However, these races will all annihilate themselves before attaining technology requisite for space travel. Consequently, even if we are not technically alone, it will seem as though we are until, of course, we destroy ourselves and vanish from the cosmos altogether.

This filter theory is based on, what else, our own example. Consider the threats we have confronted and might face in future: catastrophic asteroid impacts, nuclear annihilation, the dominance of AI and subsequent extermination of the lesser biological beings, and, of course, the ultimate consequences of accelerated climate change induced by fossil-fuel consuming humans. The presumption -again, based solely on our own history- is that prior to attaining space-faring technology, extraterrestrial races would have to proceed through the same intervening stages through which we have already passed: development of nuclear technology, exploitation of fossil fuel reserves and the advent of artificial computing capabilities. Each of these aforementioned developments can pose an existential threat to our species.

Although we still exist, it is possible that we will obliterate ourselves long before we are able to even reach the nearest star, Alpha Cenatauri, let alone the more far-flung regions of the Milky Way Galaxy.* Remember that humans haven't ventured farther than about a quarter of a million miles from Earth. Moreover, our most distant spacecraft, Voyager 1, is only about 22 light hours from home. Alpha Centauri is 4.3 light YEARS away.

So, perhaps the answer to Dr. Fermi's question, "Where is everyone?" is simply that either no aliens exist anymore or that they'll all be destroyed before they can manage to travel among the stars. Or, and this notion is quite chilling, there is a dominant alien race that kills off those species as soon as they become star-faring.

Or, maybe, Dr. Fermi, they exist in great abundance, but we haven't yet managed to detect them. Perhaps the Milky Way Galaxy teems with life in all areas. We just haven't matured enough as a race to associate with them. Again, it is all speculation and, as such, allows for all manner of theories and ideas. We just happen to prefer the optimistic ones.

*We are assuming that even if we manage to travel out among the stars, we'll stay within our home galaxy. Unless, of course, we figure out a way to both manufacture a TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space) and find a time lord that would like to spend at least a little time away from Earth.

Why Easter Bunnies are Chocolate (c)

By my son Paul L'Heureux (c) 2020

My son enjoys writing short vignettes to entertain the linemen and women who work for Central Maine Power, in Portland, Maine. 

 He attaches these stories to the menus he creates for the Electrode Cafe. This "Let's Write" blog is posted with his Easter Fable, a story that his mother has titled "Why Easter Bunnies are Chocolate"

Nice job, Paul!

Hippitty Hop Hop went Barnaby the unremarkable Cocoa Colored Rabbit, “Why does Peter get all the praise?”, he pondered on his way, Just then a young child Shouted “Look Mummy, it’s the Easter Bunny!!” “Oh that’s Peter Rabbit” said the Mum to which old Barnaby shook his head, but in doing so he realized “Human’s can’t tell who I am… They thinks I’m Peter” he thought wickedly as he scurried on his way. “I’ll Show him” Barnaby’s thoughts raced as he pondered ways to soil the good reputation of Peter, laughing as he hopped along. Once on the outskirts of the village Barnaby began to put his sinister plan into motion, he would collect rotten eggs and old mushrooms to leave for the children and put all the blame on Peter. Barnaby’s desire to weave a web of despicable nasty deception was well on it’s way to bolster his Evil plan and upend Easter, like a cute and fuzzy little Grinch, Barnaby rejoiced in his plot as he finished his preparations and set off to deliver his mischief under the cover of darkness. After waiting till late dusk Barnaby began his journey into town laughing all the way until…SWOOOOP!!! In silent stealthieness a Large Owl swooped in and snatched old Barnaby up just before he made it into town and that was it for old Barnaby. Only moments later along came Peter with his Easter Baskets and set up the most beautiful Easter celebration the town had ever seen never knowing of Barnaby or his plan. Upon returning to Easter Bunny Head Quarters Peter was met by Oswald the Owl who told Peter about Barnaby and his evil plan. “Oh My, where is he now??” Peter asked “Oh he won’t be bothering you anymore” Oswald said while licking his lips, to which they both got a good laugh, and to mark that occasion from that day forward it became tradition give Chocolate (Cocoa colored) bunnies at Easter to commemorate the time Oswald the Owl saved Easter from old Barnaby the Bunny. So this year when you get that chocolate bunny at Easter remember it doesn’t matter if you start at his ears or his feet, you are in essence saving Easter.. Heyyyyyyyy Why not…lol Also a big heart felt thank you to all those who supported the Stork last week if you didn’t get a chance there is still time, come on down and say Brawwwwwk ☺ Oh yeah, Recycle your Plastic, be well, and don’t forget to smile, life is 10% what the world gives to ya and 90% how you react to it ♥ Boom Happy Easter ♥♪♫♪♫☺

Scholarship for a hard working immigrant high school student

Our Rotary Club of Portland Maine, provides scholarships for outstanding high school students who attend each of the city's high schools. In fact, every year, the Rotary's Youth Services Committee sends requests to each of the Portland high schools to recommend one student to receive a scholarship. Selected students receive a $1,000 gift to apply towards college applications plus another $100 is donated to the selected student's designated charity. 

On January 10, 2020, a student who attends Portland High School received a Youth Services Scholarship, based largely on the recommedation of the guidance counselor. This recommendation is noted in "Let's Write", because of the enthusiam expressed about the recipient:

Rotary Youth Services Committee Chair Jan Chapman with Portland High School student Loyde Vumpa, the recipient of the Portland Rotary's Youth Services Award.

From:  Marisa Emerson - Guidance Department at Portland Maine High School

Reference: Rotary Youth Service Award to Portland High School student Lovde Vompa presented on January 10, 2020. 

The purpose of this award is to recongize a student for community service activities and accomplishments.

Loyde Vumpa came to Portland High School as a sophomore, after attending school in South America when her family first left their native country of Angola.


Loyde Vumpa became acclimated to American high school life without missing a beat. She immediately joined clubs, sports and other activities, quickly rising to leadership positions while excelling in her school work.  This year she also increased the academic rigor of her courses while adding a daily afer schoo job with a law firm to her packed schedule/

Loyde is a member of the Afro-American Dance Team, the Black Student Union, the Internatioanl Club and the Portugese Club.

As a first year Model UN delegae, she tood on a leadership role and became the group's "to-to" person for International problem solving. She is a peer leader, has been on the student executive board since joining Portland High School and she is a trusted Portugese interpreter who readily helps out when needed at school functions. Loyde is an active volunteer and usese her time to support local refugees and asylum seekers through failty based and community organizations.

Loyde is goal oriented and determined. She is palnning on becoming a surgeon or emergemcy doctor and has tested these aspirations by volunteering each week over the summer at Maine Medical Center, learning Cardio Pulmonary Resuscictation (CPR), shadowing medical professonals, and voluneering at a nursing home. She told me that her most positive academic experience at Portland High School was her Environmental Issues course and she was awarded the Portland High School Academic Excellence in Envirornmental Education, last June (2019).  As part of a sustainability project in class, Loyde and another student made a recommendation to the Portland School Committee for the removal of plastic utensils from the school cafeteria. At the start of the year, Loyde too responsibility for monitoring the cafeteria recycling stations where she provided gentle and kind reminders as to "what goes where". 

Moreover, the City of Portland held two Climate Action marches. Loyde rallied her peers to participate. She made posters and spread the word on social media. With dogged determination, and dedication, she takes charge for causes she believes in, and she does so with humility and humor.

Additionally, Loyde has other accomplishments to support this recommendation for the Youth Services Award from the Portland Rotary.  

Loyde is a young woman who is destined to make an impact wherever she lands. In fact, this past summer, she was among a small roup of Portland students who traveled together to visit serval HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Their enthusiasm from this trip resulted in our school superinendent reaching out to university administrators for a reciprocal visit to speak with Portland Hih School students and staff. A first ever, student initiated, HBCU college fair is being planned in Portland, for next year - for the most white state in the United States. Indeed, this is anticipated to be a huge and exciting event.

Loyde's enthusiasm, energy and drive are inspiring. 

Therefore, Portland High School is excited for Lyode's future and happy to recommend her for the Rotary Club of Portland's Youth Services Award.