The Sun | A Conventional Essay with a Biblical Opinion

The following essay is written with the information taught as fact by the Ron Paul Curriculum. Whether or not the information is true is debatable, but since is a school assignment, I will write the essay as such.

“Of all the celestial objects with which we are acquainted, none make so strong and universal an impression upon our globe as does the Sun. He is that very light, ‘the greater light to rule the day,’ as stated in the first chapter of the book of Genesis; a vast and fiery orb, kindled by the Almighty on the morn of creation, to cheer the dark abyss, and to pour his radiance upon surrounding worlds. Compared with him, all the other solar bodies are of inconsiderable dimensions; and without him, they would be wrapped in the gloom of interminable night.”

~Hiram Mattison¹

We are often amazed by the complexity of our planet: Earth. However, it would be impossible to perceive this complexity without yet one more amazing planet: The Sun.

The Sun provides the necessary light and heat required for humans, animals, insects, and plants. It is exponentially larger than all the planets in our Solar system. Let me put the Sun into perspective for you:

1. It would take 300,30,000 Earth sized objects to equal the mass of the Sun
2. Our Solar system is approximately 99% composed of the Sun.
3. The diameter of the sun is 864, 059 miles¹

The Sun isn’t just big, as everyone knows, it is incredibly hot as well. At its core, the sun is 15 million degrees Celsius or 28 million degrees Fahrenheit! To protect us from this super-hot light, we are (Earth is) positioned 93 million miles away from the Sun.³Many are aware how fast sound and light can travel (known as the speed of sound and the speed of light); but believe it or not, if there was a sound that could travel the necessary distance from the Sun to the Earth, it would take at least 14 years, and Sunlight coming to Earth at a rate of 186,262 miles per second takes over eight minutes to reach us!¹

You might say, “If the sun is just a swirling mass of hot flaming gas, what is the Sun made of? How does it burn being that there is not oxygen in space? And if it does burn, how come it doesn’t burn up?”

Well, the sun is 98% composed of Hydrogen and Helium. To answer the second two questions, it is important to understand that the sun doesn’t really “burn.” It creates its light from a process called Nuclear Fusion which happens when protons collide and release energy (in the form of light) in the process.²

Here is a super cool illustration/explanation of how the sun operates:

“As for its energy production, it is believed that the sunlight we see every day is made of units of radiant energy called photons which originate in the inferno of the Sun’s core. They may take many years slowly wandering up to the surface, then in a little more than eight minutes they speed across the 93,000,000 miles of space to the Earth, if they happen to be headed our way. Depending upon the wavelength or amount of energy a photon has, it may be absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, reflected back into space, or it may zip down to the Earth’s surface to warm a flea or a blade of grass for an instant.”

~ICR.org

You can see why the sun has to be so big for such a large consumption of photons every second (with such a small production rate) to be possible!

Important Note: The above information was from a view taught by the conventional educational facilities. It is not necessarily right. The following provides reason (for Bible believers) for doubt and question as to the validity of what we have been told.

Opinion:

Something that is important to remember is the sequence of creation as recorded in Genesis. Many may not realize that the first light God created (Genesis 1:3-5) was not the Sun. Actually, Genesis 1:16 shows that the creation of the Sun, Moon, and stars only happened on Day Four.

As you saw, I bolded “stars” for a reason. Genesis doesn’t say the Sun is a star, on the contrary, it says that the Moon (a light to rule the night) and the Sun (a light to rule the day) are lights – not planets or stars. This also implies that the moon does nor reflect the sun’s, but rather, gives its own light.

Sources:

1. https://www.icr.org/article/392/344/
2. https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question36.html
3. https://www.thesuntoday.org/the-sun/solar-structure/

The California Gold Rush

One of the most famous moments in US history: The California Gold Rush. This historic event has spawned many fictional novels and is a favorite of many.

The time of the California Gold Rush wasn’t the first-time gold was struck in the U.S. The first gold strike in America was in North Carolina in 1799. Here and there, people found gold; but these can be compared to the calm before the storm.

The blast that shook the world that started the Gold Rush was fired by accident in 1848. It all started with John Sutter who was trying to build a saw mill. One of Sutter’s employees, James Marshal, discovered flakes of gold in the river near the mill. He looked into it, and sure enough, it was gold. That was on January 24 1848. The two men made an effort to keep the news secret, but the story got out and was eventually announced by the President (which, of course, exacerbated things).

The Gold Rush emptied towns as people rushed to stake claims. News finally reached the East coast in 1849, at which point those people rushed as well (these people are called the “Forty-niners”). Even Asians immigrated to try their hand as gold seekers. The population of California at the end of 1849 (this excludes the Indian population), sprang from 800 (in 1848) to an estimated 100, 000 (in 1849)!

Despite the mass immigration to California, the trip was actually very expensive and quite dangerous. There were three ways to California from the East Coast:

1. By sea around Cape horn (at the bottom of South America) – a 6 months journey
2. By sea until you crossed Panama, and then sea again – 1 month (Unfortunately, this passage was not widely used until near the end of the Gold Rush)
3. Across the land – 4-6 months

However, though it was dangerous, as time went on, travel became easier. This helped to encourage Americans to populate the West and the Gold Rush was quite influential in expediting the process of annexing California as a state (California had been Mexican territory but California applied for annexation in 1849, and by 1850 it was granted).

Through the first few years into 1852, 81 million dollars’ worth of gold was extracted! Adjusted for inflation, this totals at almost 2 ½ billion! Incredibly, for a few years, the amount of gold extracted continued to rise.

However, in 1857, the number “only” amounted to 45 million and the amount continued to decrease from there.

Although the gold rush did some good things for the U.S., it also brought on some unfortunate sanctions, such as the following:

1. Men left their families in hopes to strike it rich. Few struck it really rich. Many fathers and sons died traveling. Others, after the expensive commute, found that they were broke and could not make it back, thus separating them from their families forever. This led many of these men to drunkenness and thievery in their depression.
2. Many Americans at this time believed in an ideology known as “Manifest Destiny.” This belief essentially states that Americans had the right to settle anywhere they chose. This led many disillusioned Americans to force the Indians out of California, or even shoot them if they resisted.
3. Many of the Asian (mostly Chinese) gold seekers were often discriminated against.

On a rather ironic note, neither of the two men who originally discovered the California gold (John Sutter and James Marshall) struck it rich. Sutter never even got to start his saw mill because of the major change in the California landscape.

It’s strange that nobody remembers them anymore.

What is the least believable aspect of the novel so far?

I am now over half way through my English course (with the Ron Paul Homeschool Curriculum for this year). In this half, the lectures are switched from being presented by Bradley Fish, to Gary North. I greatly enjoy Mr. North’s lectures; the philosophical way he presents, the way he analyzes the information. Today’s assignment was to write about the least believable aspect of a socialist ideologically based novel: Looking Backward. Though the author truly believed in the principles presented in the novel, it clearly presents the inconsistencies of a socialist society. It is purely utopian fiction and, though greatly amusing, it is mainly discourse between the main character, Mr. West, and the good doctor, Mr. Leete.

The plot is reasonably intriguing…though not reasonable at all. Mr. West suffers from insomnia (a condition that makes sleeping difficult). He thus makes himself an underground chamber – steel walls and door and a concrete floor. It is in this room that he generally finds peace and slumber. However, on nights such as the one portrayed in the book; West feels another sleepless night coming on. Because he suffered from lack of sleep the last two nights, and because he never lets himself go more than two nights without sleep (for health reasons), he calls upon a physician who puts him into a trance.

Now you see, the physician who usually lends his services to West was leaving for greener pastures elsewhere. It was only he, West’s servant, and West himself that knew of this sleeping chamber. The physician taught West’s servant how to awaken West (for the convenience of the physician), and with that, he put West to sleep and left Boston in the year 1887

The next thing West knows is that he is awakening. There is an unfamiliar man above him and he is in an unfamiliar room. West is soon explained to that he slept for 113 years…with no food or water – and he suffers from no internal or external problems! The one who aroused him explained that in the state of slumber which he was put into, the body itself goes to sleep. Thus, basically everything is frozen in the state that it was when it was put to sleep and it remains that way until the being is awakened. The man explains that West’s house burned down and, because West’s servant (who also died in the fire) was the only one to know about the chamber (except the physician who left town who was unaware of the fire’s occurrence), West had remained in the sound proof, fire proof, water proof, yet ventilated chamber. Dr. Leete had come across the chamber by accident and had aroused West.

From then on, Dr. Leete informs West of what has taken place in the economy, society, and civilization in general since 1887 to the present day 2000.  He explains how wonderful the socialist society is, and yet, neglects to explain how the all-important transition took place.

The writer of the novel’s name was Edward Bellamy. Bellamy was writing in the 19^th century and was trying to inspire his readers to believe in the socialist concepts for society.

The main reason for this assignment was to explain what, so far, I believe to be the most unbelievable aspect of the novel (I have only read to about chapter 9).

Aside from the fantastic slumber, his incredible survival, and the amazing change in society (that seems to have no transition), the most unbelievable aspect might have to be the conundrum of the establishment of wages.

You see, Dr. Leete claims that all wages are equal; which in fact is not true. He contradicts himself by saying that, though everyone is paid the same daily wage, hours fluctuate (more, or less) depending on the attractiveness of the occupation. Thus, the hourly wage is different. Any person in their right mind would realize that someone being paid $100 for 8 hours of work is being paid less than someone being paid $100 for 2 hours of work! Yet, Bellamy thinks us all idiots…either that, or he himself is an idiot. Mr. West asks twice for Dr. Leete to explain how wages are decided…and twice Dr. Leete refuses to answer the question. The first time Dr. Leete is asked the question, he answers by declaring that it is bed-time. No joke. The second time Mr. West asks the question Dr. Leete says he doesn’t know how to answer it using West’s language!

Bellamy himself – the socialist – didn’t understand how a socialist society ought to be established; that is why he did not explain. He only knew how his fantastical ideas ought to play out.

I would recommend reading this book. Though illogical, it is still good literature and it is fun to point out the fallacious statements and inconsistencies of the writing.

Is it important for students to pursue college or other formal higher education after high school?

English Lesson 145

The pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is among the most sought-after and crucial aspects of human existence. And rightly so, for you see without knowledge we would be but babes and animals – unknowing creatures. In fact, even a religious group known as the Gnostics believed that afterlife could be obtained through acquired knowledge. It has become common thought and main-stream opinion that educational institutions such as college are important, if not essential, for students who have graduated from high-school. In this essay I will show three reasons why it is not necessary for students to pursue college:

1. The ability to acquire knowledge is not gained by attending college
2. College can present un-healthy environments, distractions, and demotivation
3. There are cheaper yet still highly effective alternatives

Without further ado, let us continue:

The ability to acquire knowledge is not gained by attending college

Though college can be a useful opportunity and a good place to learn certain life skills, these skills can be learned elsewhere at less cost. Also, one such important life skill, the ability to acquire knowledge, is most certainly not guaranteed.

College can present un-healthy environments, distractions, and demotivation

At college, distractions and un-healthy environments (i.e. sexual temptations, bullying, extracurricular activities (such as fraternities, etc.) and demotivation (caused by comparing oneself to others) can run rampant. These troubles can cause a student to drop out or quit college – never to return. With no degree, the college leaves the student with distress, debt, and disappointment.

There are cheaper yet still highly effective alternatives

Observing the above issues with the pursuit of obtaining a college education, many are gravitating toward CLEP type tests; tests that one can take at one’s own speed, time, and as one’s financial situation allows. Let me briefly explain what these tests are:

CLEP:

CLEP stands for College Level Examination Program. Using this program, you are able to earn college credits without being physically present at the college. This allows for the student to study at home (or really, anywhere), reducing or eliminating boarding fees and the aforementioned college concerns. Bradly Fish Jr., a CLEP graduate, earned 75% of his degree using CLEP tests (the remaining 25% he earned using online classes). His various study tools cost approximately $25; he used 30 tests, each test being $80, and thus, Bradley earned 75% of his degree for only $2,400 on CLEP tests! To complete these tests, he bought the previous year’s books for a great discount.  A typical college education pales greatly in this light, costing exponentially more for the same degree. Msn reports the Federal Reserve saying that the average student debt totalled to around $20, 000-$25, 000! That’s just in debt! Using CLEP tests, a student is able to earn their degree for relatively nothing, get out absolutely debt free, and, if the student chooses, he/she may work nearly full time as they complete it. Also, there is no minimum age requirement. Bradly started taking CLEP tests at 14 years of age and finished at 18. Thus, while his peers where merely graduating high-school, he was able to graduate from high-school and college…at just 18!

In conclusion, it is not necessary for students to pursue college because the ability to acquire knowledge is not gained by attending college, college can present un-healthy environments, distractions, and demotivation, and there are cheaper yet still highly effective alternatives. Take action NOW by contacting your college of preference and buy your first CLEP. It will not take long and it will not cost much, but you will gain a great deal by completing it.

Should students be able to listen to MP3 players on headphones while studying?

Lesson 139

Music has always been a big part of the way that we as humans live our lives. Music can have incredible effects on us; making us happier and stimulating brain growth. However, there have recently been questions about whether students should be allowed to listen to audio while studying. In this essay, I will present why it is that I think that students should not be permitted, at least in public settings, to study with audio. The reasons are: that and it poses no foreseeable advantage, and that the potential for overall distraction is increased.

The first reason that students should not be permitted to study with audio is that it poses no foreseeable advantage. The system that we currently operate under is efficient and operational and it would thus be unnecessary and foolish to change it and risk lasting negative effects.

Some may say that music (particularly Classical music) helps them to concentrate. While no one can really say how any particular thing will affect another, Nancy Barile referred to several studies which showed that participants who listened to music when doing reading comprehension tests scored lower than those who did not listen to any music. She went on to say that another test has shown that participants who listened to classical music by no means improved reading comprehension. In fact, they again scored lower than those who listened to nothing. Thus, the argument that classical music improves study comprehension holds no scientific merit.

Sue Shellenbarger a writer from the Wall Street Journal continues this thought,

“The prefrontal cortex, the brain’s control center, must work harder to force itself not to process any strong verbal stimuli, such as catchy lyrics, that compete with the work you’re attempting, Dr. Desimone says. The more cognitive work required to screen out unwanted input, the fewer cognitive resources remain for the task at hand. And the longer you try to concentrate amid competing distractions, the worse your performance is likely to be. “Attention takes mental effort, and we can get mentally tired,” he says.”

~Wall Street Journal

Essentially, music doesn’t help, but rather, may impede learning.

The second reason that students should not be permitted to study with audio in public settings is that the potential for overall distraction is increased. For the student directly listening to the audio, it provides a loophole for them to escape their studies. If you permit a student to listen to audio, don’t specify what he/she is allowed to listen to, that choice may not be conducive to learning and may even be dangerous to their education.

As for the surrounding nearby students, it is well known that headphones do not always completely conceal all sounds being emanated by them. Thus, it can pose great distraction to the student group at large.

In conclusion, students should not be permitted, at least in public settings, to study with audio. This is because it poses no foreseeable advantage, and that the potential for overall distraction is increased.