The Man Who Lived October Sky

The Man Who Lived October Sky The Man Who Lived October Sky The Man Who Lived October SkyAs Homer Hickam and I start working on this article, its bedrngnis all that far from 13 years to the day that October Sky premiered. I know where I welches when I saw iton an airplane, watching grown men cry. Its a film that tells the story of a teenager in a small coal mining town in West Virginia who has little chance to escape the minesuntil he finds a love and ability for rocketry. By the end, hes won the National Science Fair with his friends.Even 13 years later, Hickam says, we receive letters and e-mails every day from people all around the world who tell us how much they love the movie October Sky as well as Rocket Boys, the book the movie was based on written by Hickam....Ive lost count of the engineers whove told us they wouldnt have been engineers had they not seen the movie or read the book.Homer Hickam.Hickam says his passion to learn how to make rockets fly began because it was fun but later became a way that he thought might get attention from his father. Eventually, I did it because I realized I had a need to learn things that seemed hidden from me, he says. In this, I was joined by Quentin Quentin Wilson, a hometown friend who would later become an engineer and the other Rocket Boys, but mostly Quentin who taught me a crude form of the scientific method he called body of knowledge.Quentin andI were determined to build a perfect rocket, whichthey defined as a rocket that did precisely what it was konzepted to do. That meant to even establish the parameters of rocket performance, we had to essentially teach ourselves calculus and differential equations, not to mention how to weld and operate a metal lathe and a milling machine, saysHickam.Our rockets were quite a bit more sophisticated than shown in the movie. With our last designs, our rockets went supersonic within a half-second of ignition. The book explains it all much better.Hickam was responsible for tr aining astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.After Hickam and his friends won Gold at the 1960 National Science Fair, he went on to college and eventually, at the age of 38, joined NASA. I was already well-established as an expert in the development of computerized management information systems for the U.S. Army, he says.Iwas hired to do the same for the Spacelab Program Office, which was responsible for the design and development of a bausteinfrmig laboratory to be carried in the cargo bay of the space shuttle. After successfully fielding that system, I moved to the Mission Operations Lab where I became a senior astronaut training manager for Spacelab missions and also worked as a lead diver in Huntsvilles Neutral Buoyancy Simulator which was, among other missions, responsible for training the astronauts to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, says Hickam.Ialso worked on the Solid Rocket Booster Redesign Team after the Challenger accident. I also designed a Moon Laboratory based on the National Science Foundations South Pole Station. All these jobs required a range of engineering knowledge including systems engineering, operations research, computer design, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials, and so forth, he says.But what goes into space shuttle design that many people dont realize? The space shuttle was a compromise design and not the spacecraft NASA engineers wanted to build, Hickam says. Had they done so, they might have truly created a reusable spacecraft, which was the central idea for the program. The troika of funding, schedule, and payload mass produced the only design that could work within those constraints, he adds.The shuttle was the most expensive space launcher ever built and required an astonishing amount of maintenance and refurbishment after every flight to allow it to fly again. When management failed to exert proper control over this expensive, complex, and relatively fragile spacecraft, two shuttles were lost, he says. Eve n so, the shuttle main engines were the most advanced and sophisticated rocket engines ever built and the shuttle was an amazing machine which performed incredible feats in space that will not be matched again for decades.After the success of his book Rocket Boys, Hickam has gone on to have a strong career as a writer. The latest is The Dinosaur Hunter, a mystery story set in Montana, Hickam says. Its background reflects my interest in paleontology. I have been fortunate to have found two Tyrannosaur Rexes out of the 40 ever found. The next, coming out in April, is Crater and the first of a Helium-3 trilogy set on the moon 120 years in the future.But despite this second career, Hickam will always have a passion for engineering and hopes the inspiring true story of the boys from Coalwood, West Virginia will continue to inspire. Of the movie and book, he says ...Most of them students enjoy both and they get the message, too. To dream is not enough. You have to do. As ODell said in Roc ket Boys, A rocket wont fly unless somebody lights the fuse. Every student has a fuse. You just have to figure out how to light it.Eric Butterman is an independent writer.To dream is not enough. You have to do. As ODell said in Rocket Boys, A rocket wont fly unless somebody lights the fuse.Homer Hickam

4 things to do when your boss asks for feedback

4 things to do when your babo asks for feedback4 things to do when your boss asks for feedbackWhen your supervisor asks for feedback on their performance in a rare moment, its easy to tense up. But dont panic - here are four things to do instead.Take a deep breathDont freak out Just use this as an opportunity to respectfully get your thoughts across, and prove that you have your finger on the pulse at work.So get your thoughts in reservierung before responding. Pause and embrace a moment of silence instead of rattling off everything that comes to mind.The last thing you want to do is offend your supervisor because you said something you wish youd kept inside your head.Do your homeworkAuthor, speaker, and Harvard Business Review contributing editor Amy Gallo features advice from John Baldoni, a leadership consultant, coach, and author of Lead Your Boss The Subtle Art of Managing Up, in the publication.The ability to give and receive upward feedback, like any form of feedback, is depe ndent on the relationship between you and your boss. Without trust, the feedback will be impossible to receive. Before giving feedback, you need to gauge whether your boss will be open to what you have to say. If you know that your boss is unreceptive to feedback, is likely to react negatively, or if you have a rocky relationship, its better not to say anything, Gallo writes. However, as Baldoni points out, If your boss is open-minded and you have a good relationship, you owe him the straight talk. As with any feedback, your intentions must be good and your desire to help your boss should supersede any issues you may have between you.Do some introspectionMike Gellman, an organizational consultant, coach, and the author of Pipe Dreams 7 Pipelines of Career Success, writes in Entrepreneur about a difficult boss who used profane language in the office, and the falling out she had with her HR director who was trying to prevent that behavior from becoming acceptable at work. The HR direc tor backed down and later exited the company.The beginning of his strategy for critiquing a defensive boss is to get a meeting on the calendar, then self-assess to determine your role in the problem beforehand.Its important to understand and acknowledge your contribution to the issue Has your silence, attitude, or accusations added to the tension in some way? Have you misrepresented or distorted any facts? Have your emotions gotten the best of you? Take an honest look at your own behavior, he writes.Stand your ground - just remember who youre talking toLevi King, Founder CEO of Nav, writes in Inc.that hes worked in the business arena for 20 years, and shares what hes figured out about critiquing leaders. One of his tips isdont beat around the bush.Be as nice to me as you can, but dont hold back, he writes. Once youve made the decision to rip me a new one, say everything that you need to say. No matter how harsh it may seem, spell it out plainly. If your critique is thorough and re spectful, chances are great that Ill learn and grow from the experience. On the other hand, if youre overly cautious for the sake of my feelings, itll not only waste both our time, itll leave me with the impression that you pulled your punches.

5 getaways to take your romance to the next level for Valentines Day

5 getaways to take your romance to the next level for Valentines Day5 getaways to take your romance to the next level for Valentines DayWhether its a long-time love or if youre celebrating your first Valentines Day with your sweetheart, a little RR and being away can be the way to raise the stakes on your love this February 14. Weve selected a few destinations where love is in the air and there is plenty of time for romance.Santa Monica, CaliforniaThis West Coast destination has a beach, views and a cool vibe. Santa Monica has everything a couple wants and deserves this Valentine season. The beachside city offers more than its waves and year-round warm weather. It serves as a convenient hub for travelers aiming to discover the rest of Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region. Only 8 miles north of LAX, this laid-back beach town combined with big city sophistication offers diverse shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation all within 8.3 walkable square mile s.The Fairmont Miramar, in the heart of Santa Monica, is situated on five acres atop the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From beautiful grounds to the calm elegance of guestrooms, suites, and exclusive bungalows, this urban resort delivers an experience that wont soon be forgotten. Their current Lovers Getaway package includes Couples Fusion massage at exhale (excluding gratuity) two services at Lloyds or Glam + Go (Up to $100 value excluding gratuity) Breakfast in Bed ($60 daily credit) Dinner in FIG for 2 (Up to $250 one-time credit) and Complimentary Daily Valet Parking ($55 value daily). Package from $899.Reno and Lake Tahoe, NevadaSki, sip, and spa Valentines Day Weekend in Reno and Lake Tahoe. Book a Valentines Day vacation to Reno Tahoe and hit some of the countrys best slopes with your significant other at mountains like Diamond Peak and Northstar in North Lake Tahoe, only a short drive away from the adventure and art-packed city of Reno. Indulge in a romantic aprs ski at the Hyatt Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, roasting marshmallows by the lake-side fire pits and sipping spiked hot chocolate on Pier 111 Bar floating out on the lake.Spend Valentines Day itself in pure romantic relaxation with your loved one at the resorts Stillwater Spa Salon with the Fireside Romance package, where couples are treated side-by-side in the luxurious Fireplace Suite to a set of wellness therapies including footbaths, calm mind treatments, herbal body relief wraps, tension relief scalp massages and full-body extended massages. For Valentines Day weekend Hyatt Lake Tahoe room rates start at $247 per night.Lincoln, New HampshireA New England gem tucked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Lincoln experiences magic this time of year is an ideal place for couples to bundle up and get away from it all and reconnect. Easy to get to right off of the highway and for anyone flying in there is Manchester airport which is a wonderful boutique airport. RiverWalk Resort a g reat pick to stay in the area, a luxury resort with some amazingly romantic features including an on-site winery for a wine tasting and tour outdoor rink on-site with a fire cauldron in the center, also overlooking the mountain an on-site spa for a couples massage or treatment and snowshoeing with trail accessTheres also lots to do in the area including a visit to Ice Castles an artistic ice attraction, great restaurants in the area like the Gypsy Cafe and Black Mountain Burger Company, sleigh rides, skiing at Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH is a romantic destination this time of year.San Juan, Puerto RicoThe weather is perfect this time of year in San Juan, and this Caribbean destination is amazing as no passport is needed The newly reopened El San Juan Hotel, one of Puerto Ricos most iconic jewels, is inviting both locals and visitors to venture inside for a one-of-a-kind, inspired mix of traditions old and new this Valentines Day.The landmark 388-room property has undergone an extens ive restoration completing a $65 million dollar renovation across its distinctive spaces and has debuted with incredible new offerings, a seamless blend of authentic Puerto Rican tradition and contemporary style.The Rediscover Romance at El San Juan, available through March 3, gives couples the chance to experience an authentic Puerto Rican experience coupled with local cultural moments. This two-night stay includes an ocean villa room boasting breathtaking views and direct access to the award-winning Isla Verde Beach, dinner for two at the resorts Caa by Juliana Gonzles full breakfast for two daily a rum tasting class with Jaiker Soto at 1958 rum bar and a bottle of champagne.The Palm Beaches, FloridaRevel in romance with a trip to The Palm Beaches, with beachfront destinations. With more than 47 miles of captivating Atlantic coastline and memorable sunsets, The Palm Beaches offer unique Valentines Day deals and activities for couples looking to think outside of the (chocolate) b ox, in addition to special hotel and dinner packages and devout romantic gestures. Long walks on Florida beaches are perfect for just about everyone.Stay in one of the most romantic, seaside escapes at Eau Palm Beach Resort Spa which offers lovebirds the chance to Escape this Valentines Day with overnight accommodations in a beautifully appointed guest room, complete with a bottle of champagne, macaroons, couples massage and breakfast for two. Or, spice things up with your sweetheart with love lessons at The Brazilian Court Hotel. Offering a hands-on experience, swapping out the typical champagne and roses for aphrodisiac cuisines and private sailing lessons - this romantic gem offers unique Valentines Day package.