ARMAGEDDON: Is the movie close to reality?

Did I get your attention with that title?

Heads up, everyone! There is an asteroid named APOPHIS (how apropos) that will pass near the earth in 2029 and in 2036. If you think this is more internet crap, just trot on over to the NASA web site and draw your own conclusion.

Here is the problem: IF it passes close enough in 2029, it COULD hit the earth in 2036. The size is estimated to be about 12 miles (diameter?) Big enough to kill the planet. Needless to say, NASA is following the progress of APOPHIS very closely.

It is too soon to draw any definite conclusions, because the asteroid is still far away. There are many possibilities, but few definites.

• Definite: Apophis asteroid exists.
• Definite: NASA considers it a NEO (near earth object)
• Definite: There is a LOT of speculation going on.
• Definite: The "powers that be" around the world are following the asteroid's progress and making plans.

Apophis (circled) in a composite of five exposures taken on January 31 with the University of Hawaii 2.2-meter telescope on Mauna Kea. Image by D. Tholen, M. Micheli, G. Elliott, UH Institute for Astronomy.

Check me on this one: It is possible that Apophis would pass between earth and anything in geosynchronous orbit.

I looked up the altitude of geosynchronous orbit, and discovered it to be 22,238 miles above sea level. (The moon is approximately 250,000 miles from earth).

It is too early for doom and gloom, and too early for saying "it can be fixed."  The entire point of this post is to inform you of the existence of Apophis, and to suggest you learn more.

Television: Hoarding

There is a type of reality TV that fixes on the hardships and problems of others. I hate it. In particular, I hate all the shows about hoarding.


I feel so sorry for the people profiled in these shows that are supposed to help people. Yes. They have a problem. But, I have yet to see where the prying eyes of television viewers has anything to do with help.


Usually the show has a "professional" therapist onboard, as well as a host who will force them (thru embarassment) to throw away what they hold dear. As I said, I agree these people need help. Lets face it, though. The best help would not involve television and force. And don't pretend they aren't forced. I predict that something awful will eventually happen that will "force" these shows off the air.


Since when does is take only one weekend (or a few days) to make the decision to change. They're not changing! They end up with a clean house, maybe. But their habits are not permanently changed. Only with REAL theraputic help, over time, can they finally live happily with less items crowding their lives.


People watch these shows to feel superior, even if they don't know it. Shame on the producers for prying into the lives of these poor individuals. I say, "Bravo!" to those hoarders who stand strong and tell them to "get the hell out!"