Non-Astronomical Pursuits

There’s a lot to life besides taking pictures of space. For example, there’s running,
brewing, teaching, traveling (usually goes with taking pictures of space…), keeping up
with the news, and throwing one’s weight behind other important projects. I (try to)
engage in all of these things. If you do too, perhaps you’ll like these links:

Here’s the best part of my job. High school teachers should check this program out.

For runners:

• Use this at your own risk (it’s addictive).
• Get your shoes here.

For brewers:

• If you’re just starting out, this is a useful resource.
• If you’re more advanced, go to Brew and Grow and get some grains.

This is also the best part of my job.

I also like to spend some of the rest of my time reading and watching TV. I’m currently
reading Amity and Prosperity by Eliza Griswold (about what fracking does to rural
America) and I just finished watching FX’s Legion (which was awesome). Mainly, though,
I also listen to a lot of podcasts, principally about politics. Some of my favorites are:

• Slate’s Political Gabfest, El Gabfest (en Español), Trumpcast, Amicus, The Gist, and
  The Good Fight;
• Vox’s The Weeds and The Ezra Klein Show;
• Crooked Media’s Pod Save America, Pod Save The People, and Lovett or Leave It;
• T. Greg Doucette’s #FSCK ‘Em All (a must listen);
• The Arms Control Wonk podcast;
• Why Is This Happening? (with Chris Hayes);
• Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History;
• Larry Wilmore’s Black On The Air;
• WBEZ’s Making Obama and WNYC’s On The Media;
• Rational Security;
• SCOTUS oral arguments (not a podcast — sue me);
• The History of English;
• Mike Duncan’s History of Rome and Revolutions (Haiti is the best I think);
• The Flop House (another must);
• STAR WARS MINUTE

So, check those out.

Lastly, I volunteered on Katie Hill’s winning 2018 campaign to become the Democratic
congresswoman from California’s 25th District (north of LA). I think scientists ought to
help improve the material conditions of all people, and I believe that engaging directly in
the political process is one of the most effective ways to do this. If you feel similarly, I
encourage you to find a local campaign (for office at any level), and sign up to canvass
for them. I’ve never met anyone who regretted it. Of course, you can also run for office
yourself!