Quinics observatory

Cosmology:

Cosmology is the scientific study of the large-scale properties and origins of the universe. It explores questions related to the nature of space, time, and the fundamental forces that govern the cosmos. We are lucky to live in an age that we can predict and watch cosmic events from the comfort of our little space rock. Imagine what seeing a solar eclipse was like a few centuries ago >:)

The James Webb Space Telescope, a successor to Hubble, peers into the cosmos with infrared eyes, offering glimpses into the universe's infancy. As the successor of Hubble, this cosmic time machine saw back to the first formation of stars and galaxies within hours of operation.
Keep up to date on the lastest images.
Another groundbreaking addition to space observation is the Euclid Space Telescope. Unlike its infrared counterpart, Euclid focuses on visible light to decipher the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter by tracking the universe's accelerating expansion. The very first Image relased contained over 100,000 galaxies in one photo. For comparison, if you stiched every photo the hubble space telescope has taken together, it would not contain even close to 100,000 galaxies.

Nature and Climate:

There are a variety of solutions to the crisis of climate change, and this is no coincidence. The urgency of this moment calls for bold, collective action—after all, if we could truly sense Earth's distress, we'd act without hesitation. Nature speaks volumes; it's our deafness that must be remedied.
Fungi are more related to the animal kingdom than green plants: humans have very well underestimated the roll of the fungal kingdom. If you want to know more about how I think, check out Paul Stamets.
Understanding our communion with the ecosystem that is earth is something I look for in life. The earth is basically a big terrarium.
We should all advocate for sustainable agriculture practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity as there is a connection between human health and the latter.
Informing oneself of indigenous knowledge in community-based conservation while recognizing the pool of wisdom we live on will help in preserving the future.
Climate change may seem daunting, but this page is intended to show this is not the case. In fact, climate catastrophe could easily be avoided if the majority of the world had a say in the matter. Which we do, btw... But thats a conversation I need to make a whole new page for... eventually...

Linguistics:

Linguistic Relativity (Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis):

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that language can shape thought. It proposes that the structure and vocabulary of a language can influence the way speakers perceive and categorize the world. Different languages may highlight or emphasize certain concepts, leading to variations in cognitive processes and worldview.
I'm captivated by the notion that language isn't just a tool for communication but a lens through which we perceive reality. This hypothesis posits that the structure and vocabulary of a language can mold our thoughts, shaping our cognitive processes and worldview. It's a fascinating exploration into how the languages we speak can influence our perceptions and understanding of the world around us.

Currently, learning 普通话中文 and لعربية to support a more rounded world view and to give different perspectives otherwise unseen.
I would eventually like to know about 4-6 languages, but I need friends to practice with and places to experience full version. Currently, my only practice is through repetition and memorization. From what I understand, the best approach is to think in a language. This is very much evident in Sapir-Whorf's hypothesis above.
Excitedly exploring the fascinating intersections between language and cognition, from linguistic relativity and conceptual metaphor theory to language processing and bilingualism, with the zeal of a cognitive linguistics aficionado.
A fascinating fact about linguistics and multilingualism is the concept of the "bilingual advantage." Research has shown that individuals who speak multiple languages often have improved cognitive functions compared to monolinguals. This includes enhanced executive control, better problem-solving skills, and increased mental flexibility. Multilingual individuals can switch between tasks more efficiently, have greater attentional control, and often show a delayed onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This cognitive boost is thought to arise because managing multiple languages requires constant monitoring and switching, which strengthens the brain's executive control system.

Web Design:

My first major experience with web design was Net centric my sophomore year of college. Through that class I learned basic HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript.

Sometimes I practice on FreeCodeCamp, this is a very valuable website for coding experience and industry recognized certifications.

I keep a collection of web design related resources Here.

Cyber-Security:

We are in the golden age of randomeware and AI! Which means using the internet safely and effectively is a necessity EVERYONE should know about.

Here is a collection of free or open-source software everyone should know about:

MalwareBites provides malware protection and removal without running in the background of your system and eating resources.
Proton is a FREE VPN that doesn't suck. Any time you connect to the internet, you are broadcasting your system.
Vivaldi is my favorite browser. Built in add + tracker blocker, full customization for the UI, and cross sync between all your systems. Imagine watching anything with adds in 2024 lol.
Glarysoft provides user-friendly diagnostics on your system. If you use windows I would highly suggest this.

Second Brain:

Obsidian is a note-taking system designed around linking notes and ideas together. Paired with the PARA structure (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archive), this note-taking system allows me to collect knowledge and create notes.
From these notes, I can reinforce knowledge, build resources, and use experiences to my advantage.
The goal is a dynamic database of knowledge and daily notes. Every time I open the database I have to click through links and ideas. Over time this will grow and connect ideas between topics.

Traveling:

Goals and Reasoning:

After four years of college and living in the city, I decided something needed to change. I still have about a year left on my degree through an online program that allows me to work anywhere I have an internet connection.
My goal for the next year is to travel, experience, and learn. With a combination of house-sitting and car-camping, I am traveling the United States for far less than a month's rent would have been in the city. Through small jobs like door dashing, transcription, and fiver work, I can make ends meet while traveling virtually anywhere I can imagine.
I will likely start making videos on TikTok about my experiences, here is my account if anyone wants to watch.

House-Sitting

Through a house-sitting service, I have jumped around my state and neighboring ones for the last month or so with little out-of-pocket expense. The program I use has no money involved in the process (i.e., I do not get paid). In exchange for taking care of animals, plants, and general house care, I get to stay at the house for free. Removing money from the interaction has made this far more enjoyable and relaxed than expected. Most of the time, I have a few hours of care each day, depending on the location, and then I am left to do what I want for the majority of the day. I have enough free time for school work, personal care, video games, meditation, exploration, or whatever else piques my interest. Some houses have movie rooms, hot tubs, private lake access, pianos, and many other random perks.
If I were to suggest traveling to someone who is broke, I would suggest this. I even have the option to go out of country. Maybe that will be next year!

Car-Camping

As many people have asked, how can I camp in a car? I may get a lot of grief for having a Prius, but it’s for a good reason. The obvious choice is the MPG. I can get upwards of 50MPG out on longer highways without much effort. The car itself is designed with efficiency in mind, with a hybrid engine that is assisted by a hybrid cell battery underneath the backseats. Whenever I break, part of the potential energy gets converted by a flywheel back into the hybrid battery. The car can also run off the battery most of the time alone, especially when idling or during heavy traffic. As for camping, I added a 1000w converter to the 12v battery in the back. While the car is idle, the inverter pulls electricity from the 12v, which pulls electricity from the hybrid battery. Once the charge falls below a certain amount, the car turns on the engine for a few minutes and recharges the hybrid battery. So essentially, I’m driving a giant generator that has crazy good gas mileage, lol.
In my current setup, I have a microwave, electric stovetop, rice cooker, and heat press to make anything. Once I have enough money, I will also order a fridge for behind the passenger seat. With the right seats folded down, I get about 6ft of clearance for an air mattress that is the perfect size and shape. Other than some other essentials, that’s most of the setup. I also have a 5-gallon water tank with a hand pump that could last me weeks in remote locations. I could potentially live on a free camping ground for weeks on end, all I need is cell service for my mobile hotspot, and I am good to go.