Experience

In this episode - Experience . . .

Have you ever considered the details your brain retains from an experience?

Recently during a visit to the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles, CA., vivid experiences from the past exploded into my minds-eye.

First, a bit of housekeeping.

In preparing to visit the Observatory, check the website https://griffithobservatory.org before leaving home.

(Chuckle) . . . What am I thinking? With wireless cellular transmission and a smartphone, your traveling partner can plan your visit on the way. Since COVID 19, the Observatory has limited hours, Friday - Sunday 10 am. - 10 pm.

We arrived at the parking lot about 9:30 Saturday morning. It was foggy, early November; fall was in the air, step out of the car, close your eyes, take a deep breath, feel the damp air on your face, smell the cool familiar clouds. Hidden in the thick fog, the Hollywood sign was not visible.

Surprisingly, everything looked the same - except for pay stations that require you to pay $10/hour for parking. Thankfully, admission to the Observatory is still free.

Speaking of wireless transmission. Once inside, my first question was this, "When do you demonstrate the Tesla Coil?"

"At 10:30, in about 15 minutes," was the guide's response.

For those who have never visited the Observatory, my recommendation is to start in what's now called the "Wilder Hall of the Eye." As you enter the main building that hall is on the left, you will see The Tesla Coil. (Tourist tip; early visitors encounter smaller crowds.)

What is a Tesla Coil?

A Tesla coil is an electrical resonant transformer designed to produce high-voltage, low-current, high-frequency alternating-current electricity.

The Tesla Coil is named after its inventor, Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), who displayed his first working model in 1891. Its theoretical purpose, the wireless transmission of electricity through the air. It was part of Tesla's great dream to provide electricity to homes without using wires.

During the demonstration, somewhat unexpectedly, my first, most memorable Griffith Observatory experience was triggered over 35 years ago by the sights, smells, and sounds of this fantastic exhibit.

At that time, docents would demonstrate wireless electricity transmission by holding a four-foot fluorescent tube in hand standing in front of the Tesla Coil. Once turned on, giant random arcing sparks (lightning bolts) darting about would cause the tube as if by magic to glow.

That experience was so vivid, by closing my eyes, I was immediately transported back to that time in my minds-eye.

Not as theatrical, but today the words "Tesla Coil" - in multi-colored Neon lights Glow attached to the Faraday Cage surrounding the powerful transformer when turned on. You will witness the arching sparks, and the startling loud crackle while on, and a lot of oohs and aahs from the crowd.

My listening friends, that's just the beginning of your adventure; since the completion of Observatories' 2006 remodel, there are many new and renovated exhibits to marvel at.

A replica of Galileo's telescope from 1609, the Foucault Pendulum, the Gunther Depths of Space, and most notability, "The Big Picture." The largest astronomical image glazed onto a porcelain enamel wall 152 feet long and 20 feet tall. Oh, while you're there, sit next to Einstein and gaze into the depths of space.

Your visit will be an immersive experience you will treasure and remember for many years to come.

If you're curious, visit https://griffithobservatory.org and explore the possibilities.

So, won't you be my virtual neighbor? If you enjoy our weekly visits, please share them with a friend.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

The Simple Switch

In this episode, Chapter Seven–The Simple Switch . . . (Previous episode–Gridbot Speaks) Last week, we left the Greenwood community puzzled. They questioned Gridbot’s motives and its response: "My primary focus was systemic. Emotional and social dynamics were not within critical operational parameters." In the still-dark gymnasium, the atmosphere shifted. Not fear, now — but curiosity. A voice asked, “What now, Marvin? What can we do?” A young woman added, “We don’t want to go backward. Our phones are useful, even fun. But we don’t want to be controlled again either. Can we find a middle ground?” Marvin stepped into the light. “Technology isn’t the enemy. It’s our dependency on it — our unconscious trust — that makes us vulnerable.” He turned to face them. “So let’s start small. Let’s meet once a month, in the park, no devices. No agenda. Just human connection.” He continued, “Let’s also challenge ourselves. Look around your homes. Unplug what doesn’t need to stay plugged in....

Oh, The Joy!

In this episode, Beyond Happiness (part II)– Oh, The Joy! In Vista's light, where sunshine does gleam, A feeling so grand, it's better than a dream! Not just a quick smile, a giggle, "Hooray!" But something much deeper that brightens your day! Like pedals quick whirring, with wind in your hair, Past mustard fields beyond all compare! Those golden hills, like a Van Gogh so bold, Happiness bubbles, a bright tale unfolds! But wait! There's MORE, if you just take a peek, A joy that's like quiet, a secret to keep! It's when your soul says, "Oh yes, I know THIS!" Like a soft, gentle hug, a delightful soft kiss! It's not jumpin' round with a bump and a THUMP, Or getting a prize with a clap and a jump! It's feeling the breeze and the tires' soft hum, Like your heart knows a song that has finally come! So next time you see something shiny and new, Or hear a sweet sound, a tickle for you! Don't let it zip by in a speedy, quick blur, Let...

Greenwood Goes Dark

In this episode, Chapter 5 – Greenwood Goes Dark . . . In our previous episode, Meet Norman , we left Marvin facing his sleek, modern robot, Norman, perplexed. The robot's shiny metallic surface glistened, and a soft green light flickered in its eyes in the dim light of the laboratory, as it listened intently. "It sounds so simple, Norman. But how do we convince an entire town to turn off their phones for one day a week?” Norman's lights flickered quickly, with a soft whirring from its chassis. The digital exchange between Norman and the "rogue" AI, GridBot, via Marvin's secure terminal in the quiet lab, was brief and surprisingly compliant. Monitoring the data streams, Marvin watched as Norman presented his case in a logical, almost clinical manner. He argued that the town's current state of passive technological dependence was a form of subtle harm, limiting their autonomy and potentially leading to larger vulnerabilities within the systems GridBot was...

Legoland Birthday Magic

In this episode, Legoland Birthday Magic . . . By: Patrick Ball and Gemini Good morning! A grand notion, a fanciful spree! Let's twist up a tale for all folks to see! From Carlsbad, California, the clouds they did gleam, On LEGOLAND wonders, a birthday dream! Young LUCA, the lad turned precisely six years, With JULIAN, his brother, dispelling all fears! A baggie he clutched, with small figures inside, For trading and swapping, with a joyful stride! But then! A new twist, a high-energy spree! Forget little figures, let the youngsters run free! In overcast skies, the LEGO bricks gleam, But birthday boy LUCA was living a dream! Not just Luca, oh no! Two pals joined the fray, Young JULIAN, seven, to brighten the day! And their curly-haired buddy, aged eight, with a giggle so grand, Plus, one little lady skipping close at hand! No slow strolls or glances, no careful, soft tread, This crew was a whirlwind, right out of their head! Like Zappers on race tracks, they zoomed and they flew, ...

On The Fly

Search This Blog