I've made a lot of videos about a lot of things... but my favorite subject is, and always has been Tara (On here as @thesandlins). Today is our 20th wedding Anniversary, and I'm so grateful for our life together that I'd love to share some photos.

A brief photostory🧵 @TheSandlins One day... after years of dates, soul-searching and prayer... it was time to take the shot. I hiked up a mountain and went to a cave that only I knew about. There was a vertical shaft at the back of the cave, so I took some rope, and descended into the darkness alone.

I just released a video that I believe will be historically significant. Early one morning, before the U.S. Space and Rocket Center opened for guests, I met Mr. Luke Talley in the Saturn V Hall. Luke Talley has had one of the most eventful lives from anyone I have ever met. When Luke was 3 years old his father was killed in WWII in the Pacific theater. The USS Mount Hood, an ammunition ship his father was on, Exploded in 1944.

When our children make a big request, Tara and I make them give a formal persuasive presentation. Other adults must be present and can ask questions about finances, planning etc. The tone is positive, but serious. (We want the kid to win)
Today was HAMSTER PRESENTATION DAY. 🐹
🧵 Today is the Bama Texas game (RTR) so all the family is assembled. At half time we were given a dual presentation by my youngest daughter and son on why our family needs a hamster. She made a notebook with markers which she presented to the family. Let’s evaluate her points first

I got my film back from Indie Film Lab and it contains what might be my favorite photo I’ve ever taken. My daughter asked me to take her to a “fun show” in Shelbyville, TN. This isn’t the photo I’m talking about but it gives you a sense of the place.

🎞 @Kodak Portra 400

🧵 A Bit of Background:
My daughter takes care of a 24 year old quarter horse in exchange for riding privileges. He’s been getting old in a field until she decided to teach him to jump. She’s been working with a great coach (pic) who has been mentoring her well.

More film shots:

For some reason I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about paper on Mars. It sounds like it’s a simple passing thought but it gets a bit complicated.

Please forgive me if I’m off on some of my assumptions, the point is to generate discussion.
A short thread of thoughts. 🧵 My sister used to work at a papermill as an engineer. Mechanically or chemically processing cellulose derived from trees is a very complicated and energy hungry process. For that reason alone I don’t think it will make sense for a very very long time to make paper on Mars.
🪡

My son giving a persuasive presentation about why he should be allowed to purchase his own dirt bike. Before our children are allowed to do something “big” they must persuade Mommy and Daddy that it will be good for the family and their own personal development.
1/5 They must discuss the risks and benefits, as well as the long-term financial implications of the decision. This image was taken during the personal safety part of his argument. He said the most common injury is ankle sprain. He said he is targeting a 100 cc four stroke.
2/5

First of all, I'm sad for any loss of life and property that has occurred.

When I saw this headline, it made me think that all the Redwoods in Big Basin were burned. Then I remembered what I learned about native forests by talking to @ausfws.

A tiny thread 🧵

https://twitter.com/NYTScience/status/1297190646520909825

There's an area in Southern Alabama/Northern Florida called the Nokuse Plantation (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokuse_Pl…). I visited there and scientists who explained to me that fire is key to the good health of some forests. The fire burns the undergrowth allowing big trees to thrive

🧵

Mississippi is about to select a new State flag. My first formal engineering job was in Mississippi, so I am emotionally invested in this decision. One flag nominated as a replacement is commonly referred to as the @HospitalityFlag. I have thoughts.

A brief flag thread 🧵 The North American Vexillological Association has a publication called “Good Flag, Bad Flag”.
nava.org/good-flag-bad-…

It lists 5 simple rules
1. Keep It Simple
2. Use Meaningful Symbolism.
3. Use 2 or 3 Basic Colors.
4. No Lettering or Seals.
5. Be Distinctive or Be Related.
🧵

Now seems like a great time for something wholesome, uplifting, and adorable.

My 5 yr old daughter has been asking to go on a Daddy-Daughter date for a long time but date restaurants are closed. My whole family got in on the action to make it happen. It’s time to pick her up. 🧵 She’s upstairs getting her hair ready, let’s go see.

List of professions who have stepped up for #HuntsvileFightingCovid
Nurse
Food Service
Dental Hygienist
Logistician
Uber Driver
Graphic Designer
Engineer
Maker
Coder
Graphic Designer
Doctor
Student
Chemist
Machinist
Mover
Retail
City Gov't
Managers
& more

An appreciation thread A ton of people from all over the city (Huntsville, Alabama) have been 3D printing face shields for doctors, nurses, and other frontline medical workers.

Rainbow leaf art... a thread ......🧵 There’s a talented artist named Andy Goldsworthy. About 20 years ago I was introduced to his work while I was at the Univ. of Alabama. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Gold… ....... he’s a pretty big deal. He assembles art with thinks he finds in nature, then leaves it to be reclaimed.......🧵

I have thoughts about the @SpaceX anomaly.
(rewriting this to remove my speculation)
1) I've seen rockets blow up for a lot of different reasons. Solids blow up because propellant grain cracks, liquids blow up because of leaks/runaway pressures... tons of reasons.

Tweet 1 of 6 2) I don't know what happened in this case, but either way this obviously isn't something you want on your rocket.
3) Many articles I'm reading are painting the event as a very negative event, trying to make me feel sad/bad about this anomaly.
2/6

I’m an Engineer who loves America.
I just figured something out I want to talk about it.
Let's talk about weaponized bots, algorithm exploitation, countermeasures, and counter-countermeasures. <A MEGATHREAD> So I'm checking YouTube on my phone and see a picture of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Trump side by side. Clearly that's a big deal so I consider clicking on it... but it looks a little weird. Then I see the 135,000 views in one day and I'm like WHOA this must be real <le click>