education

A Journey Through Time

| Chris

As I stepped into the grandeur of the Wyoming State Capitol, I was immediately transported back in time. This architectural marvel isn’t just a building; it’s a chronicle of Wyoming’s rich history, etched into every stone and corridor.

I’ve been here many times. In fact, I used to work in the building across the street from it for years. But this is the first time I’ve actually joined a guided tour to get a deeper learning about its history.

The Wyoming State Capitol was constructed between 1886 and 1890. It stands as a testament to the state’s early days and its journey to statehood. The cornerstone was laid on May 18, 1887, a significant date that marked the beginning of a structure that would witness the evolution of Wyoming from a territory to the 44th state of the Union.

A symbol of equality, Wyoming has always been a trailblazer. In 1869, it became the first territory in the United States to grant women the right to vote, a bold move that earned it the nickname “The Equality State.” This decision was influenced by various factors, including the desire to attract more women to the territory and a genuine belief in women’s suffrage.

The Capitol’s design is a blend of Renaissance Revival architecture, a style that exudes elegance and authority. Its recent renovation, completed in 2019, has restored the building to its original splendor while integrating modern necessities.

Wyoming’s story is one of resilience and pioneering spirit. From the prehistoric human habitation dating back 13,000 years to the establishment of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming has played a pivotal role in the American narrative.

My tour of the Wyoming State Capitol was more than just an educational experience; it was a journey through the heart of Wyoming’s identity. As I walked the halls where history was made, I felt a deep connection to the past and a renewed appreciation for the state’s enduring legacy.

Here’s a few more photos from the tour.

Stellar Day at the Cosmosphere

| Chris

A friend and I decided to go on a road trip for a couple of weeks. We’ve done it many times in the past. This time we wanted to go where we’ve never been to before. The heartland! Our first stop? Cosmosphere.

Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, this place is a portal to the cosmos that rivals the dreams of science fiction enthusiasts and the curiosity of avid learners alike. I was pleasantly surprised! In the middle of nowhere. it seems, the Cosmosphere is not just a museum; it’s a celebration of human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration that has propelled us into the stars.

What is the Cosmosphere, you ask? Well, I learned that it is an internationally recognized STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education center and a Smithsonian-affiliated museum. It houses over 13,000 spaceflight artifacts, boasting the largest combined collection of US and Russian spaceflight artifacts in the world. This makes it a unique repository of space history and a beacon of knowledge for all who visit. And I’m glad, I did!

Experiencing the Thrill of Space Exploration upon entering, I was greeted by the imposing sight of the SR-71 Blackbird, its wings spanning the lobby, a silent testament to the speed and heights humanity can achieve. The place is way bigger than it looks outside and there’s quite a bit to keep you busy for a full day.

In the Hall of Space Museum, I walked through the story of the space race, learning about the technological and cultural differences between the superpowers vying for lunar supremacy.

The Carey Digital Dome Theater is a two-story dome theater with its 4K digital projection system. It features stunning documentaries and feature films, and makes you feel part of the journey into space.

The Justice Planetarium shows a guide to the night sky, and teaches you how to spot planets and constellations above Kansas.

The live science demonstration inside Dr. Goddard’s Lab was literally a blast! With safe explosions and bright lights, it was both educational and entertaining.

Well, my quick visit to the Cosmosphere was well worth the detour, I would say. It was an enlightening journey through the history and future of space exploration. A stellar adventure, indeed!

Too bad, we only had a few hours to spare before we had to move on. Maybe someday, I’ll come back. If you get a chance to visit, do it!

I didn’t know…

| Chris

… did you?

If this is all true, I must’ve been living in a cave. Amazing information, ya’ll. Check it out, it should be worth your time.

You eated my cookies and hurted my feelings

| Chris

Waaaaah!I swear, I heard one of the kids down the street say these words before.

Sup with the schooling system, yo? That ain’t what MC Hammer would call “Proper.” Have we finally upgraded to English 2.0 without my knowledge? Since, back in the day, we didn’t have grammar and spell checkers, we were forced to learn things the old-fashioned way. By memory. Could it be that technology have been spoiling us rotten for awhile now? I remember being able to multiply and divide by hand. I’m afraid it’s a lot more convenient to hit the calculator icon these days, than to grab the pen and piece of paper in front of me.

However, while some people still need to play catch-up on learning basic language skills, I’m afraid, in this day and age, we all have to somehow do so, as well. Though, in some other way. I don’t know about you, but the English dictionary seems to be getting thicker and thicker on a daily basis. Albeit, unofficially.

I mean, since when did the word “favorite” become a verb? (Did I just hear someone mention “Googled?”) Technorati would say… Your blog has been favorited five times. Good luck convincing your spell checker to pass that one. And, it just doesn’t roll nicely on the tongue, either. Admit it!

By the way, I found the following list from the American Dialect Society after having read the news yesterday announcing “Subprime” as official word of the year 2007. These words are just a small sample from an extensive list that goes all the way back to 1990.

2007
Subprime – an adjective used to describe a risky or less than ideal loan, mortgage, or investment.
Googlegänger – A person with your name who shows up when you google yourself.
Texter – a person who sends text messages.
Billary/Hill-Bill – Bill and Hillary Clinton
Quadriboobage – The appearance of having four breasts caused by wearing a brassiere that is too small.

2006
Plutoed – to be demoted or devalued (This is just cruel, I think. Call me sentimental but I love and miss my Pluto!)
Brokeback – of questionable masculinity; insufficiently heteronormative.
Pornament – a Christmas ornament of the adult kind.

2005
Truthiness – the quality of stating concepts or facts one wishes or believes to be true, rather than concepts or facts known to be true.
Flee-ancée – in reference to runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks.

It’s also interesting to find these out:

Word of the decade (90’s) – Web
Word of the century (20th) – Jazz
Word of the millennium (past one, I’m guessing) – She

There you go. I hope you were entertained, somehow.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what your emo boy just blurted out on the celly while wafflin’ with his G, here’s a fun place to find out. Now, that’s sick, brah.