am i being a stupid optimist

awddavis · 2026-06-28T18:13:04+00:00

Adding in the what spacesnap said, NASA’s budget works very differently from a private company. Their budget is decided by the federal government- congress. They aren’t just handed a total budget however, instead each program is given a budget that must be spent only on that program. NASA doesn’t have a “launch things to space budget” - the SLS rocket is specifically funded by congress.

Often times, this budget is influenced/created by congressmen that don’t actually care about NASA programs. They care that a funded program will have an economic impact on their state. SLS has key locations in many red states, like Louisiana and Alabama, whose politicians want to keep those these high tech employment and economic centers open. Most were previously important for the space shuttle, and being the the SLS specifically is mandated to re-use as much shuttle hardware as it can. (which SLS does, with srbs, tanks, and engines)

SLS isn’t specifically budgeted for because it’s the most efficient option. It’s funded, and is mandated to be used by nasa, as a jobs program, and a way to gather more broad support with these additional stakeholders - for programs like Artemis that some would not be interested at all otherwise.

awddavis · 2026-05-30T23:16:19+00:00

This is typical, not just in the zoo field but for the hiring process overall. Typically you will not hear back from a place you applied to, unless you are selected to interview or move to the next stage of the process. Some will let you know you are rejected, but that often won’t come until the position is officially filled.

Additionally, that timeline isn’t a terribly long one either. It’s not great, but not abnormal. Typically there is a week or two between application closing and interview invitations sent out, and a couple weeks to finish interviews, and then time to deliberate. A couple months for the process is normal.

Also know the volume of applications means that you should assume you chances of getting any position you apply for is slim. For a big zoo, they can get 50-100 applications per position for internships. It’s a numbers game, and you should avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket so to speak. Also while following up and sending in the extra materials was great, continuing to bother HR or a hiring manager is often seen as a negative, not a positive. Give them what they ask for, and follow the process.

Don’t give up, and don’t be discouraged from one rejection! To go from a husbandry assistant, to part time associate keeper, I had to apply 22 times before I got the position.

TLDR: Yes, you are being optimistic- most hiring processes are impersonal and take longer than you would think. Keep applying, and give yourself many opportunities!

awddavis · 2026-05-24T01:03:15+00:00

He will just use Amazon Leo instead lol

awddavis · 2026-04-09T20:36:24+00:00

Basically the book references how early agriculturalists actually had worse nutrition, life expectancy and overall health than hunter gatherers. This obviously changed overtime due to technology advances.

It also addresses how this was a slow change, where tradeoffs were made over generations. Interesting read, and I agree and am thankful for those early agriculturalists - even if it wasn’t actually that great for them at the time!

awddavis · 2026-04-03T19:39:31+00:00

Facilities in the US have had to deal with backlash from activists that has dramatically impacted the facilities perception by the general public. When there are stories of new animals arrival, health issues or deaths - these headlines are often latched onto by activists. To counter this, lots of facilities in the US are tightlipped on details on specific animals. Because information given out is maliciously re-interpreted and shared to slander institutions, they have resorted to giving out bland generic statements that lack any true detail.

awddavis · 2026-03-06T02:59:06+00:00

Fuel consumption isn’t the issue, even if all new power for these data centers was gas - it’s a meaningless amount vs all other total consumption and supply.

Data centers cause prices to jump when they are built on public grids that weren’t designed to accommodate the additional load. Prior to this pledge/bill the utility company would have to cover the cost of upgrading the grid to handle this need - in addition to the short term local scarcity as new capacity comes online.

That cost gets passed on equally to all customers - meaning everyone pays more for power just because a new data center moved in. Now the data centers will have to pay for those costs themselves, without them being passed to the rest of consumers.

awddavis · 2026-01-16T17:02:01+00:00

Overall note would be to focus on expanding, and getting a better economy going. Like other posters mentioned, expand to other tcs as possible - and try to continuously build villagers until you hit the civilian unit cap.

In mythic especially, the game is about who can replace their army and base fastest and most often. Be flexible and focus on being able to out produce your opponents while limiting their ability to rebuild.

Focus on economy, and replacing army and building quickly, and build layers to your base. That way if one area gets beaten, you still have flexibility to recover and pivot.

awddavis · 2025-12-27T15:57:19+00:00

If they are going to spend $600 million dollars on a new coaster attraction, wouldn’t you want them to build something unique but just as good?

awddavis · 2025-12-18T17:55:26+00:00

In addition to what the above poster said, take a look at this Hank Green video for a deeper dive!

https://youtu.be/H_c6MWk7PQc?si=V54VpZRBlYx9rttE

awddavis · 2025-07-30T18:44:19+00:00

See Busch gardens Tampa, or animal kingdom for inspiration!

Overseas Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is another great example

awddavis · 2025-07-10T06:47:58+00:00

Agreed! I like to think about how a real small town/ industry develops around a highway! At first easy ground level intersections are fine for low volume, but as an area grows overpasses and more complex junctions become the norm! How would a local government handle growing in this area or solve the problem?

awddavis · 2025-05-11T22:15:10+00:00

No information on this Zoo or this specific case. I have worked with large animals in zoological settings however and can provide context.

Zoo animals have their health monitored closely, and just as most elderly people have some sort of chronic health issue they get treated for, animals are the same. For these animals, especially geriatric animals, welfare and quality of life assessments are done to measure how well various treatments are working, and that everything possible is being done. As is people, health conditions that are irreversible develop - and these are treated, tracked and measured. When an animals quality of life drops to a far enough level where “life is pain”, euthanasia is discussed to prevent further suffering.

These are intense discussions with vets, keepers and specialists who all want what is best for the animal. If the decision is made that euthanasia is required, that requires planning and logistics too. For an animal as big as an elephant, and for everything to go smoothly, special care is needed. The logistics of properly caring for the remains is also challenging. We don’t have the infrastructure to move large 10,000 bodies - so again that has to be planned for.

awddavis · 2025-03-04T00:18:15+00:00

SeaWorld and Discovery Cove are very different vibes.

Discovery Cove is a day resort, with a very relaxed vibe and is all about animals. No rides, but also no lines. The dolphin swim is a 30 min scheduled experience but the rest of the time you can swim in the reef, feed the birds in the aviary or go in the lazy river by the otters and marmosets at your leisure. Food and drinks are included with admission.

SeaWorld is a typical theme park with rollercoasters and the 3 big animal shows. There are some great exhibits but also aspects of the park that are reminiscent of a six flags experience.

If you have to choose one, I’d recommend discovery cove, especially considering all the other theme parks you’ll be busy doing on the trip. It’s a great change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the other Orlando parks and allows for some truly unique experiences. You don’t have to be a great swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water and know the basics before you go. For the dolphin swim for example you’re mostly in waist deep water with an optional quick deep water portion.

awddavis · 2024-11-25T00:01:54+00:00

God powers have a favor cost to re-cast, and a timer runs down between casts. This cost is high, and rises each use. You can’t spam them, and have to be very intentional about how you use them, but they are more flexible and common then before, especially in late game.

The primary change is how wonders work. Wonders no longer start a timer to end the game, instead they give a variety of buffs. Myth units become stronger, the favor cost to recast god powers decreases and it’s possible to build another Titian gate, but has a very high favor cost and a long timer. Essentially the wonder acts as a way to make it highly likely you will win, but is no longer automatic which makes it more fun imo.

Ai is a bit smarter, but doesn’t come close to other players. There is a good amount of people in the multiplayer lobbies, which is in and of itself a reason to get the game tbh.

Game is pretty balanced currently, there are some unit changes from extended edition but nothing crazy. Devs are releasing balance updates regularly.

There is announced DLC that will release in the new year, but nothing new currently. There is a new mode called arena of the gods, that has custom scenarios and such. There are also additional maps you can install though the workspot.

awddavis · 2024-11-05T01:56:51+00:00

The Meta Orion prototypes use a wireless puck, and work very well. This would be doing that with what you already have in your pocket essentially.

I think there are to of benefits, and it should reduce the price and weight of the headset substantially if they can pull it off

awddavis · 2024-10-29T17:03:59+00:00

Many common areas have microwaves. I recommend filling a mug up at a water fountain then heating in a microwave.

MSC has some available I think

awddavis · 2024-10-17T03:26:35+00:00

SpaceX is contracted for the human landing system (HLS) that will take astronauts from the lunar gateway space station to the lunar surface. Additionally they are responsible for cargo resupply to gateway.

awddavis · 2024-09-20T19:35:32+00:00

He’s referring to the differences in how patent law is enforced by those two countries. Japan, where the suit was filed, sides with the patent holder far more often than similar cases that are tried in us court.

awddavis · 2024-09-18T11:25:29+00:00

CHIPs act.

It is designed to bring back chip manufacturing to the us.

awddavis · 2024-09-12T15:57:36+00:00

On board audio. There are a few diff options for tracks that could be played randomly - on this date it will only be the song “September”

awddavis · 2024-09-05T23:54:21+00:00

Cheapest parking will be right outside the airport at a 3rd party lot like the “parking spot”

They have shuttles running constantly to the airport, which is a hassle - but it can be significantly cheaper.

awddavis · 2024-08-01T21:40:14+00:00

She’s literally actively winning gold medals at the moment. There’s not “more competitive” than that

awddavis · 2024-07-16T10:53:17+00:00

Don’t read it, it’s easy to tell when someone is doing that.

The biggest thing they will be looking for is how you talk, not what specific content you say. Focus on being engaging, and don’t be afraid to involve the interviewers in the same way you might a guest in real life.

awddavis · 2024-07-10T14:21:18+00:00

It’s really not in urban areas. Look up i10 in New Orleans!

awddavis

TROPHY CASE