Since I've been in middle school I have had to learn about computers and the applications that they've run. No fanboy-like rant intended, I've never actually taken pleasure out of that singular experience until I used the Linux operating system. For what I do, Linux does things faster, more intuitively, and for free. The Ubuntu Linux distribution is one of my main weapons against the hard times of the recession in my country. However even with my current knowledge of programming and my interest in Linux, I sometimes feel a sort of resistance coming from one of the system's hallmarks, the Linux community.
Many articles have been written about the Linux snob syndrome. Although I believe that the Open Source development process is one of the best paradigms for creating and maintaining software, I feel sort of alienated when I try to interact with some of its members. Sometimes when I ask a question I get the go to response of "please ask me something more specific". You're a computer programmer, if you understand recursive algorithms you can answer a general question about a bug or how an application works, I'm not asking about a kernel spec. This sort of sensibility also carried over to another ambition of mine, being a Linux developer.
Earlier this year I wanted to play an active part in being a developer for my current distribution Ubuntu. Although I knew I needed to learn C++, I thought I knew enough programming to begin learning more about Linux and actually getting real world coding experience by becoming a developer like someone who maintains and creates Linux applications (such as GIMP or Emacs), however when I looked at all the information it was truly an overwhelming experience and when I went into what is called and internet relay chat (irc) room I was only advised to go back to the links I had already visited, and that I needed a to have an exact definition of what I wanted to do. I can understand where the people in that irc came from, however I do not work for Canonical (the corporate sponsor of Ubuntu) and trying to synthesize all the different ends and outs (MOTUs, Upstream vs. downstream, Launchpad, etc.) without some form of more concrete guidance seems counter intuitive to the Linux and open source mission. The path to becoming a developer seemed for me to be fuzzy and non-direct, and I didn't think I would get any more help from the community sources.
Ultimately I realized that development for me would be impractical because I only have one machine and I would have to buy another for the sole purpose of stability. In addition I also bought Mark Sobell's A Practical Guide to Linux which has helped me extensively understand Linux's elegance in its many flavors sans the aloofness. I do feel that most of the Linux community is not this way, especially when reading articles from sources such as OMG! Ubuntu and Nixie Pixel, however this gravitas does exist in places. I really do see a bright future for Linux and will be my primary operating system moving forward. But in some ways I wonder if I'll still be looking at the Tux from the outside in.
Have a peaceful day,
Justin Reid
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Why I will Never Regard Myself as an Atheist
These days many proponents of reason regard the existence of deity as a human invention and something like a flight-fight response to deal with the perpetual condition of pain and suffering that we have been dealt as a race of sentient beings. However as "logical" as this argument may seem, I truthfully in my heart cannot fall into this category. I have several reasons for thinking this way.
This first is that pure reason, while one of mankind's most powerful inventions, has it's limitations. This is the difference between pure theoretical "know how" and inspiration. There are endless varieties of connections and insights that can be made about the universe, however these facts alone cannot explain the ideas of love, despair, resolution, or conviction. These concepts transcend logical means and can cause us to act irrationally, to sometimes greater ends. Why do we have this choice between the logical and the illogical? Why do we even know of something as "artistic expression"? Some say it's a simple combination of neurotransmitters and exposure to social forces, but in my view there has to be some other agent.
Secondly, if I resigned myself to the reigns of rationality alone I wouldn't be where I am today. I would simply have no drive because I am not a member of a powerful family, I've been considered a social pariah in the past (and sometimes the present), and lack that certain charisma which causes people to melt through their tiny comfort zone and actually try to be friends with you. If I would to take these things on a pure logical basis, I would simply consider myself worthless to human society. However through my religion I reconciled the expressive things that I have known since my young childhood and learned how to strengthen my will against these repulsive forces. Atheism may view these motivations as some sort simple defense mechanism, but it is my main source of inspiration and living as a creative being.
Atheists are entitled to what they believe as it is their human right to follow their own belief (or rejection of belief) system. However it is my opinion that no matter what religion you follow, it fills a certain hole that the wonders of reason fail to consider. This is why I still hold my religion close to my heart because the realms of science have yet to touch these abstract notions.
Have a good day,
Justin Reid
This first is that pure reason, while one of mankind's most powerful inventions, has it's limitations. This is the difference between pure theoretical "know how" and inspiration. There are endless varieties of connections and insights that can be made about the universe, however these facts alone cannot explain the ideas of love, despair, resolution, or conviction. These concepts transcend logical means and can cause us to act irrationally, to sometimes greater ends. Why do we have this choice between the logical and the illogical? Why do we even know of something as "artistic expression"? Some say it's a simple combination of neurotransmitters and exposure to social forces, but in my view there has to be some other agent.
Secondly, if I resigned myself to the reigns of rationality alone I wouldn't be where I am today. I would simply have no drive because I am not a member of a powerful family, I've been considered a social pariah in the past (and sometimes the present), and lack that certain charisma which causes people to melt through their tiny comfort zone and actually try to be friends with you. If I would to take these things on a pure logical basis, I would simply consider myself worthless to human society. However through my religion I reconciled the expressive things that I have known since my young childhood and learned how to strengthen my will against these repulsive forces. Atheism may view these motivations as some sort simple defense mechanism, but it is my main source of inspiration and living as a creative being.
Atheists are entitled to what they believe as it is their human right to follow their own belief (or rejection of belief) system. However it is my opinion that no matter what religion you follow, it fills a certain hole that the wonders of reason fail to consider. This is why I still hold my religion close to my heart because the realms of science have yet to touch these abstract notions.
Have a good day,
Justin Reid
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
An Outsider's View on Japanese Culture
Japan has gotten a lot of headlines recently because of the tsunami and earthquake. However that country and it's culture have had a pretty long influence beforehand on what I do, how I live, and many of my artistic ventures.
Firstly, even though I've yet to visit the country, discovering Japanese culture has been one of the most positive points throughout my life. A lot of the people I have known that have been associated with that culture have been 'otaku' (obsessive anime fans for the uninitiated) but the common denominator for all of them is that they have been some of the few people that have accepted me over the years when others only point out my flaws and shortcomings. For this reason I have associated Japanese culture with true love and kindness, and is probably the main motivation why I want to visit and maybe live there one day.
Since I have come to this perception, I have written many poems and one poetry series called Japan which I finished earlier this year. I hope to write 2 more on the subject and make something of a trilogy. I've heard that there are many places in Japan, especially after the tsunami, that carry heavy emotions of loss and despair. However for a place where many people transcend materialism and focus on goals more virtuous, there should be a sense of resolve and caring that has allowed their culture to survive over thousands of years despite war and tyranny.
No place on Earth is perfect and Japan is no exception to this rule, however I believe the country contains something beautiful in my eyes that I have rarely come across since I was younger. That something is the equal chance of finding those who will care about you, no matter your perceived social ineptness or inequality. That's why I will try to learn the Japanese language and visit the place that has been a distant source of happiness and inspiration throughout these times of turmoil and social upheavals.
Ganbare Nippon,
Justin Reid
Firstly, even though I've yet to visit the country, discovering Japanese culture has been one of the most positive points throughout my life. A lot of the people I have known that have been associated with that culture have been 'otaku' (obsessive anime fans for the uninitiated) but the common denominator for all of them is that they have been some of the few people that have accepted me over the years when others only point out my flaws and shortcomings. For this reason I have associated Japanese culture with true love and kindness, and is probably the main motivation why I want to visit and maybe live there one day.
Since I have come to this perception, I have written many poems and one poetry series called Japan which I finished earlier this year. I hope to write 2 more on the subject and make something of a trilogy. I've heard that there are many places in Japan, especially after the tsunami, that carry heavy emotions of loss and despair. However for a place where many people transcend materialism and focus on goals more virtuous, there should be a sense of resolve and caring that has allowed their culture to survive over thousands of years despite war and tyranny.
No place on Earth is perfect and Japan is no exception to this rule, however I believe the country contains something beautiful in my eyes that I have rarely come across since I was younger. That something is the equal chance of finding those who will care about you, no matter your perceived social ineptness or inequality. That's why I will try to learn the Japanese language and visit the place that has been a distant source of happiness and inspiration throughout these times of turmoil and social upheavals.
Ganbare Nippon,
Justin Reid
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Sorry for the Hiatus
Dear all,
Sorry that I haven't been writing here. Last semester, in the words of Reed Timmer, was pure insanity. But I got through it and still look to be a meteorologist by the end of this year when I graduate.
Right now I now have a GIS intern position at the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC) working on the Climate Literacy, Education, and Research (CLEaR) project with NCDC. With the economy the way it is, I count myself lucky to be working right now, especially since it is in the field of atmospheric sciences.
I will hopefully add a CV to this site soon, especially if graduate school opportunities pan out. I also hope to post some of my GIS analyses and links to my latest undergraduate research once it gets close to completion. In addition I will also be posting some poetry here and use this site to showcase my work.
By the end of this year when I graduate I plan on becoming a professional meteorologist and will be going straight into my career or going to graduate school. This will be a major step for me since I hope to move on from North Carolina and leave behind some bad memories I have from here. But I believe that my future and others' are bright and will lead to some of the fulfilment that we all want deep in ourselves.
Have a wonderful day,
Justin Lynn Reid
Sorry that I haven't been writing here. Last semester, in the words of Reed Timmer, was pure insanity. But I got through it and still look to be a meteorologist by the end of this year when I graduate.
Right now I now have a GIS intern position at the National Environmental Modeling and Analysis Center (NEMAC) working on the Climate Literacy, Education, and Research (CLEaR) project with NCDC. With the economy the way it is, I count myself lucky to be working right now, especially since it is in the field of atmospheric sciences.
I will hopefully add a CV to this site soon, especially if graduate school opportunities pan out. I also hope to post some of my GIS analyses and links to my latest undergraduate research once it gets close to completion. In addition I will also be posting some poetry here and use this site to showcase my work.
By the end of this year when I graduate I plan on becoming a professional meteorologist and will be going straight into my career or going to graduate school. This will be a major step for me since I hope to move on from North Carolina and leave behind some bad memories I have from here. But I believe that my future and others' are bright and will lead to some of the fulfilment that we all want deep in ourselves.
Have a wonderful day,
Justin Lynn Reid
Friday, May 27, 2011
Why I like to chase storms
2011 has turned out to be one of the worst years for severe weather and tornadoes, and shows how powerful tornadoes can truly be even with modern technologies such as WSR-88Ds. However along the sidelines of this disastrous season, I've noticed a phenomenon among storm chasing that reaffirms why I wanted to pursue meteorology and chase storms in the first place.
The storm chasing community has changed since the time I was introduced to it in the mid 90s. Now besides the stories of Gene Rhoden, Warren Faidley et al. storm chasing has devolved into more of a" rat race". A large majority of storm chasing is, in my opinion, an extreme ego trip combined with pseudo-science. Anyone who can purchase a few pricey gadgets because of monetary advantages, but yet have little meteorological experience or real world forecasting experience, can fashion themselves into a chasing community fixture (P.T. Barnum horrendously out of control.)
What made me want to follow severe weather in the first place is the drive to explore a dynamic system that is difficult to understand. This is what has led me to pursue atmospheric science and research. The now ridiculously cutthroat nature of storm chasing, with its pointless arguments that secrete arrogance like tree sap, has strangely driven me back to these fundamentals. Besides worrying whether I have close enough video and extreme enough photos, I have returned to just wanting to experience the system that is in front of me. What tools or what clout that I have in storm chasing are only plastic juvenile illusions.
I believe that this terrible era of storm chasing will either end, or that chasing itself will dissolve into a thrill sport meant for the halls of Reality TV. I left high school for the attitude I see now in chaseworld and the best solution is to let those views be as they may. One thing that remains for certain for me is that science will be an integral part of my life and I will still take time to explore the makeup of the natural world.
Have a wonderful day,
Justin Reid
The storm chasing community has changed since the time I was introduced to it in the mid 90s. Now besides the stories of Gene Rhoden, Warren Faidley et al. storm chasing has devolved into more of a" rat race". A large majority of storm chasing is, in my opinion, an extreme ego trip combined with pseudo-science. Anyone who can purchase a few pricey gadgets because of monetary advantages, but yet have little meteorological experience or real world forecasting experience, can fashion themselves into a chasing community fixture (P.T. Barnum horrendously out of control.)
What made me want to follow severe weather in the first place is the drive to explore a dynamic system that is difficult to understand. This is what has led me to pursue atmospheric science and research. The now ridiculously cutthroat nature of storm chasing, with its pointless arguments that secrete arrogance like tree sap, has strangely driven me back to these fundamentals. Besides worrying whether I have close enough video and extreme enough photos, I have returned to just wanting to experience the system that is in front of me. What tools or what clout that I have in storm chasing are only plastic juvenile illusions.
I believe that this terrible era of storm chasing will either end, or that chasing itself will dissolve into a thrill sport meant for the halls of Reality TV. I left high school for the attitude I see now in chaseworld and the best solution is to let those views be as they may. One thing that remains for certain for me is that science will be an integral part of my life and I will still take time to explore the makeup of the natural world.
Have a wonderful day,
Justin Reid
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Thoughts of the past semester
As I finish out my finals, I've realized all of the things that I have learned and the many journeys I've taken to get there. Another milestone is that I have reached the highest level of my mathematics education and I feel really comfortable with that subject after a really long time. I even found a place for research and a poster presentation that went over really well, and is a great launchpad to further my project next year.
But there is one thing that I wish that I would've changed. A unique combination of factors came together to make this semester one of my most stressful. Mostly due to an accelerated workload due to the economy. I wish that I had more time to find someone to truly be friends with and not drown in perspectives and considerations.
That's why yesterday, when I hung out with one of my few good friends here, I felt like I was truly a living being. I always find that moment when someone takes time out of their day to be with me a special occasion. When I'm with friends, there isn't any negative and emotionless world to search for true authenticity. When I'm with them, we make the world our own.
And I'm happy that for my senior year, I'll have a chance to find that world. The most difficult portion of my work will be complete after this semester and in the next one I can gratefully balance my journeys through the atmosphere with times that help me be who I am.
Have a pleasant day,
Justin Reid
But there is one thing that I wish that I would've changed. A unique combination of factors came together to make this semester one of my most stressful. Mostly due to an accelerated workload due to the economy. I wish that I had more time to find someone to truly be friends with and not drown in perspectives and considerations.
That's why yesterday, when I hung out with one of my few good friends here, I felt like I was truly a living being. I always find that moment when someone takes time out of their day to be with me a special occasion. When I'm with friends, there isn't any negative and emotionless world to search for true authenticity. When I'm with them, we make the world our own.
And I'm happy that for my senior year, I'll have a chance to find that world. The most difficult portion of my work will be complete after this semester and in the next one I can gratefully balance my journeys through the atmosphere with times that help me be who I am.
Have a pleasant day,
Justin Reid
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
On Ownership
On a trip to the National Weather Center almost 2 years ago, I was given a call to action by the renowned severe weather expert Chuck Doswell. In a lecture, I was told to take "ownership" of my education and make the things that I learn my own. Since that day so many things have happened.
I've now come to understand the fundamental concept of scientific meteorology, which is seeing the atmosphere as a 4-dimensional physical system. Without this perspective the fundamental equations, forecasting, and other topics would seem as ambiguous as Egyptian without a Rosetta stone. Beyond the sometimes drama filled world of meteorology, each lecture is a journey through its own world, and paints an image of that system for the mind to see and appreciate fully.
At this point in my science I have also come to realize that not every part of the scientific community is perfect. Meteorology is esoteric, but not impossible for the curious person to learn, and experts can either help or hinder the process of that illumination. As I have matured I have come to realize that consensus, presentations, and other expressions of the Intellegensia's grandeur aren't the force that makes discoveries happen. They instead come from the natural world, a world that some people forget at times, but it is there to explore a lifetime in.
Reflecting on Doswell's words and the events that I have been a part of, much of what he alluded to was indeed a fact. However I have grown upon such advice and realized what makes me a person isn't a set of scientists pontificating on a gilded hill of prestige. It is my faith and the road of curiosity that make me who I am and will bring me to where I'll find true love and the best way to advance atmospheric science.
Have a pleasant day,
Justin Reid
I've now come to understand the fundamental concept of scientific meteorology, which is seeing the atmosphere as a 4-dimensional physical system. Without this perspective the fundamental equations, forecasting, and other topics would seem as ambiguous as Egyptian without a Rosetta stone. Beyond the sometimes drama filled world of meteorology, each lecture is a journey through its own world, and paints an image of that system for the mind to see and appreciate fully.
At this point in my science I have also come to realize that not every part of the scientific community is perfect. Meteorology is esoteric, but not impossible for the curious person to learn, and experts can either help or hinder the process of that illumination. As I have matured I have come to realize that consensus, presentations, and other expressions of the Intellegensia's grandeur aren't the force that makes discoveries happen. They instead come from the natural world, a world that some people forget at times, but it is there to explore a lifetime in.
Reflecting on Doswell's words and the events that I have been a part of, much of what he alluded to was indeed a fact. However I have grown upon such advice and realized what makes me a person isn't a set of scientists pontificating on a gilded hill of prestige. It is my faith and the road of curiosity that make me who I am and will bring me to where I'll find true love and the best way to advance atmospheric science.
Have a pleasant day,
Justin Reid
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